Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
Psalms 135
Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.
Commentary Notes
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.
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.
Psalms 135:6
6. heaven, and … seas, and all … ends of the earth —denote universality.
Psalms 135:8
8, 9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."
Psalms 135:10
10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.
Psalms 135:13
13. heritage —or, "possession."
name … memorial —Each denote that by which God is made known.
Psalms 135:14
Psalms 135:15
15-18. (Compare Ps 115:4-8).
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).
Psalms 135:19
19-21. (Compare Ps 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.
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.