Why do you praise the Lord?
Psalm 135 is a powerful call to worship, reminding us of God’s greatness, His mighty works, and His enduring faithfulness to His people. It warns against trusting in worthless idols and urges us to praise the One true God who reigns forever.
Key Verse:
“Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; praise Him, you servants of the Lord.” – Psalm 135:1 (NASB)
Background Context:
Psalm 135 is a song of praise that echoes themes from earlier Psalms and Israel’s history. It calls God’s people to worship by recalling His sovereign power, His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and His superiority over false idols. This psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, reminding us that our worship belongs to God alone.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Praise the LORD’S Wonderful Works. Vanity of Idols.
1Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD;
Praise Him, O servants of the LORD,
2You who stand in the house of the LORD,
In the courts of the house of our God!
3Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.
4For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself,
Israel for His own possession.
5For I know that the LORD is great
And that our Lord is above all gods.
6Whatever the LORD pleases, He does,
In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
7He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;
Who makes lightnings for the rain,
Who brings forth the wind from His treasuries.
8He smote the firstborn of Egypt,
Both of man and beast.
9He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,
Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
10He smote many nations
And slew mighty kings,
11Sihon, king of the Amorites,
And Og, king of Bashan,
And all the kingdoms of Canaan;
12And He gave their land as a heritage,
A heritage to Israel His people.
13Your name, O LORD, is everlasting,
Your remembrance, O LORD, throughout all generations.
14For the LORD will judge His people
And will have compassion on His servants.
15The idols of the nations are but silver and gold,
The work of man’s hands.
16They have mouths, but they do not speak;
They have eyes, but they do not see;
17They have ears, but they do not hear,
Nor is there any breath at all in their mouths.
18Those who make them will be like them,
Yes, everyone who trusts in them.
19O house of Israel, bless the LORD;
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD;
20O house of Levi, bless the LORD;
You who revere the LORD, bless the LORD.
21Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD!
Reflection on Psalm 135:
- Praise the Lord for Who He Is:
The psalm opens with a call to worship, instructing the servants of God to praise His name (Psalm 135:1-2). Worship is not based on our circumstances but on God’s unchanging character. Do you take time each day to praise God for who He is? - God’s Sovereignty Over All Things:
“The Lord does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the ocean depths” (Psalm 135:6). His power extends over all creation. Are you trusting in His sovereign control over your life? - Remembering God’s Mighty Works:
The psalm recounts how God rescued Israel from Egypt, demonstrating His power over kings and nations (Psalm 135:8-12). Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness strengthens our trust in His present and future provision. Do you remember and thank God for His past works in your life? - The Worthlessness of Idols:
The psalm contrasts the living God with idols that “have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see” (Psalm 135:15-18). Anything we trust in more than God—whether money, status, or possessions—becomes an idol. Are you placing your trust in things that cannot truly satisfy? - A Call to Worship for All God’s People:
The psalm closes with a call for all who fear the Lord to bless His name (Psalm 135:19-21). Worship is not just for a select few—it is for all who belong to Him. Are you actively joining in the praise of God’s people?
Summary Key Points:
- Praise God for His unchanging character: Worship is rooted in who He is.
- God is sovereign over all things: He rules over creation and human history.
- Remember His mighty works: Recalling His faithfulness strengthens our faith.
- Idols are powerless: Only the living God is worthy of our trust and worship.
- All God’s people are called to praise Him: Worship is the response of a grateful heart.
Application:
Take time today to worship God—not for what He can do for you, but simply for who He is. Reflect on His sovereignty, remember His faithfulness, and remove anything in your life that takes the place of His rightful worship.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy of all praise. Thank You for Your faithfulness, power, and love. Help me to remember Your mighty works and to trust in You above all else. May my heart be free from idolatry, and may my life be filled with worship that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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