Psalms 135:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
הַֽ֝לְלוּ
Praise
H1984
הַֽ֝לְלוּ
Praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
1 of 9
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
הַֽ֝לְלוּ
Praise
H1984
הַֽ֝לְלוּ
Praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
3 of 9
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֣ם
ye the name
H8034
שֵׁ֣ם
ye the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 9
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַֽ֝לְלוּ
Praise
H1984
הַֽ֝לְלוּ
Praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
7 of 9
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
Cross References
Psalms 7:17I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.Psalms 106:1Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.Psalms 107:8Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!Psalms 111:1Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.Psalms 112:1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.Psalms 148:13Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.Psalms 150:6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.Psalms 102:21To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;Psalms 134:1Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.Nehemiah 9:5Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
Historical Context
Psalm 135 draws heavily from other biblical texts, functioning as anthology or compilation of praise themes. It shares language with Psalms 115, 134, 136 and echoes exodus and conquest narratives. The psalm likely functioned in temple liturgy, leading corporate worship by rehearsing God's character and mighty acts.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the psalm open with triple call to praise rather than immediate reasons for praise?
- How does praising God's 'name' differ from generically praising God?
- What does it mean to be 'servants of the LORD' and how does this identity relate to worship?
- How does repetition function to deepen worship's intensity and focus?
- In what ways does this opening model enthusiastic, urgent call to corporate worship?
Analysis & Commentary
A grand praise psalm begins with triple call to worship: 'Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.' The threefold 'praise' emphasizes urgency and importance. 'Praise ye the LORD' translates 'Hallelujah' (hallelu-Yah), the imperative form calling people to praise Yahweh. The second call 'praise ye the name of the LORD' focuses on God's revealed character - His 'name' represents His nature, attributes, and reputation. The third call 'praise him, O ye servants of the LORD' addresses specific audience - those who serve God. 'Servants' (avadim) can mean slaves or worshipers - those devoted to God's service. This opening creates crescendo effect, building intensity through repetition. The psalm functions as extended meditation on why God deserves praise, grounding worship in theology.