Psalm 135

Introduction.—Ps. 135 is an appeal to praise the Lord, because of what He has done for His people and because of what He is to His people. The first section (vs. 1–14) contains an exhortation to praise the Lord for His goodness. This is followed by a denunciation of idols and a further exhortation to bless the name of God (vs. 15–21).

1. Praise. See Ps. 113:1; see on Ps. 104:35.

2. Ye that stand. A call especially to priests and ministers (see on vs. 19, 20).

3. Pleasant. Referring either to the singing of praises to God’s name or to the name itself (see Ps. 147:1).

4. Peculiar treasure. Heb. segullah, “personal property” (see Deut. 7:6, 7; 14:2; cf. 1 Peter 2:9).

5. Above all gods. Other gods had no real existence (see vs. 15–18).

6. Whatsoever. See Ps. 115:3. God’s pleasure is carried out in all the domains of His vast universe.

8. Smote the firstborn. The plagues of Egypt were a mighty manifestation of God’s sovereignty. The tenth plague was especially severe and hence especially impressive (see on Ex. 12:29).

11. Sihon. Sihon and Og attempted to intercept the progress of the Israelites to the land of Palestine (Num. 21:21–35; Deut. 2:30–37; 3:1–13).

12. Heritage. The territories of Sihon and Og were occupied by the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh (Num. 32:33).

13. Memorial. Heb. zeker, “mention.” The memory of men is forgotten, but God’s name will be “mentioned” to all eternity.

14. Judge his people. See on Deut. 32:36.

Will repent himself. Heb. nacham. In the form here employed nacham means “to be sorry for.”

15. Silver. For vs. 15–18, see on Ps. 115:4–8.

19. Bless. See on Ps. 63:4.

House of Aaron. The priests (see Ex. 29:9). Those holding high spiritual office should be foremost in blessing the Lord.

20. House of Levi. When Israel fell into idolatry and Moses made a call for those who were on the Lord’s side, all the sons of Levi responded (see on Ex. 32:26), and they were set aside for holy service (see on Num. 18:6).

21. Out of Zion. See on Ps. 134:3.

Ellen G. White comments

2–5TM 15

4 1T 282

6 MH 416