Psalms 135 - Introduction

This Psalm was obviously intended for use in the worship of the Second Temple. It begins with a call to those who minister there to praise Jehovah, Who has chosen Israel to be His peculiar people (Psalms 135:1-4). His omnipotence is manifested in Nature (Psalms 135:5-7), and in History (Psalms 135:8-12). He will not forsake His people, whereas the idols of the heathen are nought, and cannot save their worshippers (Psalms 135:13-18). Let all Israel unite in praising this glorious God (Psalms 135:19-21).

Though the Psalm is little more than a mosaic of fragments and reminiscences from Law, Prophets, and other Psalms, it possesses real vigour of rhythm and spirit. It is an expansion of Psalms 134, and it should be compared with the blessing of the Levites in Nehemiah 9:4 ff., though there the whole course of Israel's history is reviewed at length.