What does it mean to praise the name of the Lord in this psalm?

Praising the name of the Lord here means more than just saying His title. It is thanking and honoring God for who He is and what He has done. His “name” points to His character, His goodness, mercy, power, and faithfulness. The psalm calls the servants of the Lord, especially those in His house, to speak well of Him, sing to Him, and rejoice in Him. It is praise that comes from knowing His works and His kindness, not just repeating empty words.

Why does the psalm say the Lord is above all gods?

When this psalm says the Lord is above all gods, it shows that Israel’s God is not one god among many. He is the only true God. Other nations worship idols and false gods, but this passage says the Lord does whatever He pleases in heaven, on earth, and in the seas. He rules over nature, sends lightning, rain, and wind, and controls history. By recalling His power in Egypt and Canaan, the psalm shows that no other so‑called god can compare to Him.

What is meant by Jacob and Israel as God’s peculiar treasure?

Calling Jacob and Israel God’s “peculiar treasure” means that God chose this people for Himself in a special way. It is not based on their greatness, but on His free love and grace. He set them apart from other nations, cared for them, and gave them a land as an inheritance. This choice is a reason for praise. It reminds God’s people that they belong to Him, that He values them, and that their blessings come from His promise and kindness, not from their own strength.

How does this psalm show God’s power over creation and history?

The psalm shows God’s power over creation by saying that He does whatever He pleases in heaven, on earth, in the seas, and in the deep places. It mentions how He makes vapors rise, sends lightning with the rain, and brings the wind from His storehouses. It also shows His power in history, recalling how He struck the firstborn of Egypt, sent signs and wonders, defeated strong kings like Sihon and Og, and gave their lands to Israel. Both nature and history are in His hand.

Why does the psalm speak so strongly against idols?

The psalm speaks strongly against idols to show the clear difference between the living God and lifeless objects. Idols are made of silver and gold by human hands. They have mouths, eyes, and ears carved on them, but they cannot speak, see, or hear. There is no breath in them. The warning is that those who make and trust in idols become like them, dull and without true understanding. By exposing how empty idols are, the psalm urges people to trust only in the Lord.

What does it mean that the Lord will judge His people and repent Himself?

When the psalm says the Lord will judge His people, it points to His rule and care. He will not forget them but will set things right for them. The phrase that He will “repent Himself” toward His servants means He will show compassion and mercy, turning from anger to pity. It does not mean God made a mistake, but that He acts toward His people with tender care. This gives comfort that He both corrects and restores, dealing with His servants in kindness.

Who is called to bless the Lord at the end of this psalm?

Near the end, the call to bless the Lord widens. It first names the house of Israel, then the house of Aaron, then the house of Levi. After that, it includes all who fear the Lord. This means not only priests and Levites, but the whole people, and anyone who truly honors God. To “bless the Lord” is to speak well of Him and thank Him. The picture is of the whole community, from leaders to ordinary worshippers, lifting their voices together in praise.

How does this psalm contrast worship of God with worship of idols?

This psalm shows worship of God as living, joyful, and based on real acts of kindness and power. People praise Him because He is good, He chose them, rules the world, and rescued them from Egypt and strong kings. In contrast, idols are dead objects that cannot speak or act. Those who trust them gain nothing and become like them. True worship looks at what God has actually done in creation and history, while idol worship rests on human-made things that cannot save or help.

How can the call to praise in this psalm shape daily life today?

This psalm teaches that praise is both a duty and a delight. It reminds us to thank God not only when we feel like it, but because He is good, faithful, and in control. In daily life, this can look like remembering God’s gifts, His care in hard times, and His rule over what we cannot control. It also warns against trusting “idols” of our own day, such as wealth or success. Instead, we can choose to honor God with our words, choices, and gatherings, just as His people did here.

Ps.135.1

Psalm 135:1

KJV

Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the Lord.

Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the Lord.

2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God,

3 Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

4 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:

12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

13 Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations.

14 For the Lord will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.

16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;

17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.

19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: bless the Lord, O house of Aaron:

20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.

21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.