Psalms 135:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 135:1
1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
Chapter Context
Psalms 135 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, judgment, obedience. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 135:1
1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 7:17, 102:21, 106:1, 107:8, 111:1, 112:1
- References Lord: Psalms 134:1