JFB Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 135

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

Commentary Notes

v1

Psalms 135:1

Ps 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship.

1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.

Ps 135 1-Ps 135 21
v4

Psalms 135:4

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

v6

Psalms 135:6

6. heaven, and … seas, and all … ends of the earth —denote universality.

v8

Psalms 135:8

8, 9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."

Exod 12 29
v10

Psalms 135:10

10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.

v13

Psalms 135:13

13. heritage —or, "possession."

name … memorial —Each denote that by which God is made known.

v18

Psalms 135:18

18. are like unto them —or, "shall be like," &c. Idolaters become spiritually stupid and perish with their idols (Isa 1:31).

Isa 1 31
v21

Psalms 135:21

21. out of Zion —(Compare Ps 110:2; 134:3). From the Church, as a center, His praise is diffused throughout the earth.

Ps 110 2Ps 134 3