1.
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
This Psalm is probably by Hezekiah, continuing the Songs of the Degrees. Corresponds with 114 and 115. See Structure (p. 826).
Praise ye THE LORD = Hallelujah. App-4 .
name. See note on Psalms 20:1 .
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. ( App-4 ). Note the three Jehovah's between Jah in Psalms 135:1 and Elohim in Psalms 135:2 . Corresponding with the threefold blessing of Numbers 6:22-27 .
2.
Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,
the courts. This includes the People as well as the priests and Levites.
3.
Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
it: i.e. His name.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .
4.
For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Jacob. Compare Malachi 1:2 .Romans 9:13 . Put also by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for his posterity ( App-6 ).
Israel. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .
peculiar treasure = own possession. See note on Exodus 19:5 .
5.
For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
our LORD = Adonim. App-4 .
gods. Hebrew. 'elohim. App-4 . Used here of earthly rulers (Psalms 82:6 ), as representing God. See note on Exodus 22:9 , and compare Romans 13:1-7 .
6.
Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
heaven, and in earth. Hezekiah's expression. See App-67 .
7.
He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
wind. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . Compare Psalms 135:7 with Jeremiah 10:13 ; Jeremiah 51:16 .
treasuries. Hebrew = treasures, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct) for treasuries ( App-6 ), and rightly so rendered. Compare Job 38:22 .
8.
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
smote, &c. Compare Exodus 12:29 .
man. Hebrew. 'adam . App-14 .
9.
Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
wonders. Compare Ex. Psalms 7:14 , and Psalms 136:15 .
10.
Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
smote, &c. Compare Numbers 21:26 , Numbers 21:34-35 .
11.
Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
Sihon. Compare Numbers 21:21-34 .Deuteronomy 1:4 .
Og. Compare Deuteronomy 31:4 .Joshua 13:31 .
all. Compare Joshua 12:7 .
12.
And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
gave their land. Compare Joshua 12:7 . An heritage. Repeated by Figure of speech Anadiplosig. App-6 .
13.
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
Thy name. Compare Psalms 135:13 with Exodus 3:15 .
14.
For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
For, &c. Compare Deuteronomy 32:36 .
judge = vindicate.
repent Himself = have compassion.
15.
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
16.
They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
The idols, &c, Psalms 135:15-18 . Not "borrowed" from Psalms 115 , but repeated, and varied, because the object here is quite different. Psalms 115 = heathen theology; Psalm 185 = Divine theology.
heathen = nations.
17.
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
breath. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .
18.
They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
are = will become.
trusteth = confideth. Hebrew. batah. App-69 .
19.
Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
house of Israel. Includes all Israel. Compare Psalms 115:12 . See note on Exodus 16:31 .
20.
Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
Levi. Not included in 115.
21.
Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
out of Zion. Shows that this Psalm is an expansion of Psalms 134 .
dwelleth. Figure of Speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .