Commentary

Psalm 135

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary (1871)

Three Scottish scholars’ careful, compact notes on every verse: good on meaning, history and the original languages.

Verses 1–3

Psa 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.

Verses 4–7

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

Verses 8–9

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

Verses 10–12

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

Verse 13

13. heritage--or, "possession."

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

Verse 14

14. will judge--do justice (Psa 72:2).

repent himself--change His dealings (Psa 90:13).

Verses 15–18

15-18. (Compare Psa 115:4-8).

Verses 19–21

19-21. (Compare Psa 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary (1871). Public domain, from the CrossWire SWORD module.