Types of Psalms Table

135:1 Praise Yah The Hebrew phrase used here, hallu-yah, occurs only in the last third of the psalms (Pss 104–150). See note on 104:35.

the name of Refers to God’s fame or reputation—especially His acts on behalf of Israel. See note on 91:14.

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

135:2 the house of Yahweh Refers to the temple in Jerusalem.

135:4 special possession Describes Yahweh’s special relationship with Israel. At the time of the Sinai covenant, Yahweh refers to Israel using the same Hebrew word used here, segullah (see Exod 19:5).

135:5 gods The Hebrew word used here, elohim, while it can refer to the God of Israel, refers here to the deities worshiped by other nations. The Psalmist proclaims that adone (“our Lord”), the God of Israel (Yahweh), is greater than all other spiritual beings. Compare Psa 82; note on 82:2.

135:6 in heaven and on earth A bookend statement that refers to all that exists.

in the seas and all the depths Though the pairing of heaven and earth usually means everything, the seas are specifically mentioned here because the seas were viewed in the ancient Near East as a primordial power that a god had to subdue (compare 93:3–4; 107:23–30). Unlike foreign gods, Yahweh is not in a battle with the forces of nature but instead completely and easily rules over them.

135:7 He causes clouds to rise from the edge of This portrayal is based on watching clouds rise on one side of the sky and proceed across it.

the wind from his storehouses Several ot passages depict Yahweh controlling the elements—rain, snow, hail, and wind—by storing them in chambers (e.g., Job 38:22).

135:8 struck the firstborn of The last plague against Egypt (see Exod 12:29–32).

135:9 signs and wonders Closely connected with God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt (see Exod 7:3).

135:10 struck many nations Israel first overcame resistance on the east side of the Jordan River before crossing the Jordan and overcoming the nations there. Compare note on Josh 6:16; note on Josh 6:17.

135:11 Sihon the king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Bashan The first enemies that the new generation of Israelites defeated after the wilderness wanderings (Num 21:21–35).

the kingdoms of Canaan During the time of Joshua (the Middle Bronze Age), Canaan was a network of independent city-states. Each city-state was a fortified location that controlled lands around it, like the depiction of Jericho (Josh 6:1).

135:12 as an inheritance The Hebrew word used here, nachalah, describes inalienable, inherited property. Yahweh judged the nations of Canaan in part by taking away their right to the land (Deut 9:4–6).

will plead the cause of The Hebrew word used here, dayan, often refers in legal contexts to pleading or deciding a legal dispute. Israel is experiencing injustice, and Yahweh will judge the matter and execute justice against those who are oppressing Israel.

will have compassion on his servants God expresses His compassion by acting on behalf of Israel in giving them justice.

The Logic of Idolatry

135:15 The idols of the nations See 96:5 and note.

135:16 They have mouths, but cannot speak An idol is incapable of providing revelation or guidance.

135:17 they have ears, but cannot hear An idol cannot respond to requests or help its worshippers.

there is not even breath in their mouths Unlike God’s other creatures, idols are lifeless. The psalmist may imply that, in addition to being less than the true God, idols are less than any of God’s creatures.

135:18 Those who make them become like them Those who look to powerless idols will likewise be powerless when crisis comes.

135:19 O house of Aaron Aaron was the first high priest; the duties of the priests were separate from the duties of the Levites.

135:20 O house of Levi The Levites were authorized to manage many of the sacred items and tasks in Israel’s ritual worship, but not all Levites were priests. Compare note on v. 19.

You who fear Yahweh This probably refers to the Israelites in general (v. 19). It could also include anyone who is loyal to Yahweh and observes His commands.

Fearing God in the Old Testament