Psalms 135:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 135:17
17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
Chapter Context
Psalms 135 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, prayer, holiness. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 135:17
17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
Analysis
The anatomical mockery continues: 'They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.' Ears that cannot hear means no prayer reaches the idol, no cry for help is registered, no worship is acknowledged. The climactic declaration 'neither is there any breath in their mouths' strikes at life itself. The Hebrew 'ruach' means breath, wind, or spirit - idols possess none of these. They are essentially corpses, resembling the living without sharing their vitality. This recalls Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life ('ruach') into Adam. The living God gives breath; idols have none to give. While verse 7 celebrated God bringing wind from His treasuries, idols lack even enough breath to fog a mirror. Ezekiel's vision of dry bones receiving breath (Ezekiel 37) demonstrates what only the living God can do - animate the inanimate, give life to the lifeless.
Historical Context
Pagan rituals sometimes included attempts to 'animate' idols through mouth-washing and mouth-opening ceremonies designed to give images divine breath. The biblical polemic dismisses these as futile - no ritual can impart life to dead matter. Only the Creator who breathed life into humanity possesses such power.
Reflection
- Why is it significant that idols have no breath or life?
- How does this expose the foolishness of idolatry?