Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 135

Majesty and Goodness of GodThis psalm is a joyful call to praise the Lord

v. 2: The call is to those who serve the Lord

v. 3: The psalm gives reasons for praising God: Praise the Lord

v. 4: There is a special reason for God’s people to praise Him: The Lord

Majesty and Goodness of GodIn these verses, we are encouraged to praise God not only for His goodness, but also for His greatness. The psalmist shows us how awesome God is, both by teaching the truth about Him and by giving examples of His mighty works in nature and in history. God’s greatness should fill us with respect and wonder, and remind us that He alone is worthy of all praise.v. 5: The psalmist boldly says, For I know that the Lord

v. 6: The psalmist explains why God is so great: Whatever the Lord

v. 7: He gives examples from nature: He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightning for the rain; he brings the wind out of his treasuries . God controls the weather—He lifts up the mist, sends down rain, creates lightning, and brings the winds. All these amazing things happen because of His power (Psalm 19:6; 1 Kings 18:38 ).

v. 8: The psalmist remembers how God showed His power in history: He struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast . God judged Egypt with many miracles, forcing Pharaoh to let Israel go. God’s people were safe, but their enemies were punished.

v. 9: He continues, He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants . These miracles were proof of God’s greatness and His special care for Israel.

v. 10: The psalmist also remembers how God helped Israel take the land of Canaan: He defeated many nations and killed mighty kings . Even powerful people could not stand against God’s will.

v. 11: He names some of these kings: Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan . God removed every obstacle so His people could have the land He promised.

v. 12: God gave their land as a gift: And gave their land for a heritage, a heritage to Israel his people . This was a great blessing from God, fulfilling His promise to the ancestors of Israel.

v. 13: The psalmist praises God’s eternal glory: Your name, O Lord

v. 14: Finally, the psalmist says, For the Lord

An Invitation to PraiseThese verses warn God’s people against idolatry and encourage them to worship the true God with sincere hearts. The psalmist explains how foolish it is to trust in idols, which are only man-made objects with no real power. In contrast, he calls everyone who knows the Lord

v. 16: He continues, saying these idols have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see . They look like living things, but they cannot do anything—not even the simplest acts of life.

v. 17: The idols also have ears but cannot hear, and there is no breath in their mouths . They are completely lifeless, so it is foolish to expect any help from them.

v. 18: Those who make and trust in idols become like them—spiritually dull and senseless . Worshipping lifeless things makes people spiritually dead, but worshipping the living God makes us wise and alive.

v. 19: The psalmist calls all God’s people to praise Him: Bless the Lord

v. 20: He adds, Bless the Lord

v. 21: The psalm ends with a final call: Blessed be the Lord