Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 135

Matthew Henry Commentary

Psalms 135

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Psalms 135

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Verses 1-4

"Praise ye Jehovah. Praise ye the name of Jehovah; Praise [him], O ye servants of Jehovah, Ye that stand in the house of Jehovah, In the courts of the house of our God. Praise ye Jehovah; for Jehovah is good: Sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. For Jehovah hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [And] Israel for his own possession." — Psalms 135:1-4 (ASV)

The subject-matter of praise is the blessings of grace flowing from the everlasting love of God. The name of God as a covenant God and Father in Christ, blessing us with all spiritual blessings in Him, is to be loved and praised. The Lord chose a people for Himself, so that they might be to Him for a name and for praise. If they do not praise Him for this distinguishing favor, they are the most unworthy and ungrateful of all people.

Verses 5-14

"For I know that Jehovah is great, And that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps; Who causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; Who maketh lightnings for the rain; Who bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries; Who smote the first-born of Egypt, Both of man and beast; Who sent signs and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, Upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants; Who smote many nations, And slew mighty kings, Sihon king of the Amorites, And Og king of Bashan, And all the kingdoms of Canaan, And gave their land for a heritage, A heritage unto Israel his people. Thy name, O Jehovah, [endureth] for ever; Thy memorial [name], O Jehovah, throughout all generations. For Jehovah will judge his people, And repent himself concerning his servants." — Psalms 135:5-14 (ASV)

God is, and always will be, the same to his church, a gracious, faithful, wonder-working God. And his church is, and will be, the same to him, a thankful, praising people: thus his name endures forever. He will return in ways of mercy to them, and will delight to do them good.

Verses 15-21

"The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of men`s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; Eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; Neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them shall be like unto them; Yea, every one that trusteth in them. O house of Israel, bless ye Jehovah: O house of Aaron, bless ye Jehovah: O house of Levi, bless ye Jehovah: Ye that fear Jehovah, bless ye Jehovah. Blessed be Jehovah out of Zion, Who dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye Jehovah. " — Psalms 135:15-21 (ASV)

These verses arm believers against idolatry and all false worship, by showing what sort of gods pagans worshipped. The more deplorable the condition of the Gentile nations that worship idols, the more we are to be thankful that we know better.

Let us pity, pray for, and seek to benefit unenlightened pagans and deluded sinners. Let us strive to glorify His name, and recommend His truth, not only with our lips, but by holy lives, copying the example of Christ's goodness and truth.

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