Chapter 135
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
2Ye that 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 unto his name; for it is pleasant.
4For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
5For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
7He 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.
8Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
9Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
10Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
11Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
12And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
13Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
14For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
15The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
16They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
17They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
19Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
20Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
21Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
“Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
Overview
Psalm 135 is a vibrant hymn of praise calling on the servants of the LORD to praise His name. The LORD is good and He has chosen Jacob for Himself and Israel for His peculiar treasure. He does whatever pleases Him in heaven, earth, seas, and depths. The psalm recounts His mighty acts — sending signs and wonders against Egypt, defeating Sihon and Og, and giving their land as a heritage to Israel. It contrasts the living God with dead idols of silver and gold that have mouths but speak not. The psalm closes with a call for all Israel and those who fear the LORD to bless Him out of Zion.
Key Themes
God's Sovereign Choice
God chose Israel as His special treasure — election is an act of grace, not merit, and calls forth praise from those who receive it.
God's Sovereignty Over All Things
The LORD does whatever pleases Him in every realm — heaven, earth, and sea. Nothing is outside His control or authority.
The Living God vs. Dead Idols
The contrast between the mighty God who acts and speaks and lifeless idols that cannot do anything exposes the absurdity of idol worship.
Study Questions
What does it mean to be God's 'peculiar treasure' (v. 4)?
How does the declaration that God 'hath done whatsoever he pleased' (v. 6) shape our theology?
Why does the psalm rehearse God's acts in Egypt and the wilderness?
How does the contrast between God and idols (vv. 15-18) apply to contemporary culture?
Why does the psalm close with a call from multiple groups to bless the LORD (vv. 19-21)?
Connection to Christ
Christ is the one through whom God chose His people before the foundation of the world. He is the living Word who speaks, acts, and saves — the ultimate contrast to dead idols. Through Him, believers become God's peculiar treasure, a chosen generation and a royal priesthood, called to show forth His praises.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 135. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?