Psalms 135:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 135:3
3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Chapter Context
Psalms 135 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, holiness, discipleship. 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 135:3
3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Analysis
Here the psalmist supplies the first reasons for praise: 'for the LORD is good' and 'for it is pleasant.' The Hebrew word 'tov' (good) encompasses moral excellence, benevolence, and generosity - God's goodness is not merely an attribute but His disposition toward His people. The parallel statement 'sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant' uses 'na'im' (pleasant, lovely, delightful), which can describe either the act of praising as pleasant or God's name itself as delightful. Both interpretations yield truth: worship brings joy to the worshiper, and God's revealed character is inherently beautiful. This verse establishes that praise flows from theology - we worship because of who God is. As James 1:17 declares, 'Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.'
Historical Context
The phrase 'the LORD is good' appears frequently in Israel's worship vocabulary (Psalm 100:5, 106:1, 107:1). This confession was central to temple liturgy, often sung antiphonally. The emphasis on God's goodness contrasted sharply with pagan conceptions of capricious, morally ambiguous deities.
Reflection
- How does understanding that praise is "good" and "pleasant" change your approach to worship?
- What makes praising God inherently beautiful rather than merely dutiful?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 33:1, 63:5, 106:1, 147:1
- Good: Psalms 100:5, 107:1, 118:1, 119:68, 136:1, Matthew 19:17