Praise of the LORD as Creator and Redeemer.
Scripture References:
st. l =vv. 1-2
st. 2 = vv. 3-4
st. 3 = vv. 5-6
st. 4 = v. 7
st. 5 = vv. 8-9
st. 6=vv. 10-12
st. 7 = vv. 13-14
st. 8 = vv. 15-18
st. 9 = vv. 19-21
In Jewish tradition, Psalms 135 and 136 served as an appendage to the "Songs of Ascents." The two psalms are also noteworthy for their recounting of Israel's history (see also 78,105, and 106).
In this post-exilic hymn, the psalmist first exhorts the temple personnel: Praise God; "proclaim all his glory abroad" (st. 1), for God, in his goodness, has chosen Israel to be his people (st. 2). Praise God as the Creator and as the King of creation (st. 3-4); praise the LORD for redeeming Israel and for giving them the promised land (st. 5-6). Praise God, who continues to sustain Israel (st. 7). The idols made by human hands are powerless, and so "shall their worshipers be" (st. 8). Praise God, all Israel and all you who fear the LORD; "sing praise to his glorious name" (st. 9).
Thus all believers are urged to praise the LORD as the one true God: the great Maker and Ruler of all creation who proves that all other gods are powerless, and the great Redeemer who overwhelmed Egypt and destroyed many kingdoms to give Israel the promised land. The combination of these two themes is common throughout the psalms; together they constitute the mighty acts by which the LORD became Israel's God. The (altered) versification is from the 1912 Psalter. Another setting of Psalm 135 is at 181.
Liturgical Use:
The entire psalm is appropriate to services focusing on Israel's history. A selection of stanzas (for example, 1-4 and 9) has more general use at the beginning of worship.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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