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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley -> Psa 135:2
Ye priest and Levites.
JFB -> Psa 135:1-3
JFB: Psa 135:1-3 - -- A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanit...
A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship. (Psa. 135:1-21)
In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.
Clarke: Psa 135:1 - -- Praise ye the Lord - This may be considered as the title, for it has none other
Praise ye the Lord - This may be considered as the title, for it has none other

Clarke: Psa 135:1 - -- Praise ye the name of the Lord - Perhaps the original הללו את שם יהוה haleu eth shem Yehovah , should be translated, Praise ye the name...
Praise ye the name of the Lord - Perhaps the original

Ye that stand - Priests and Levites. For which he gives several reasons.

Clarke: Psa 135:3 - -- The Lord is good - Here is the first reason why he should be praised; and a second is subjoined
The Lord is good - Here is the first reason why he should be praised; and a second is subjoined

Clarke: Psa 135:3 - -- For it is pleasant - It is becoming to acknowledge this infinite Being, and our dependence on him; and it is truly comfortable to an upright mind to...
For it is pleasant - It is becoming to acknowledge this infinite Being, and our dependence on him; and it is truly comfortable to an upright mind to be thus employed.
Calvin -> Psa 135:1
Calvin: Psa 135:1 - -- 1.Praise ye the name of Jehovah Though this Psalm begins almost in the same manner with the preceding, the Psalmist would not appear to be addressing...
1.Praise ye the name of Jehovah Though this Psalm begins almost in the same manner with the preceding, the Psalmist would not appear to be addressing the Levites exclusively, but the people generally, since the reasons given for praising God are equally applicable to all God’s children. No mention is made of night watching, or of their standing constantly in the Temple. But indeed, as it was the special duty of the priests to take the lead in this devotional exercise, to give out, if we might use such an expression, and sing the praises of God before the people, there is no reason why we should not suppose that they are primarily addressed, and stirred up to their duty. We need only to examine the words more closely in order to be convinced that the people are included as next in order to the priests. 156 For the Psalmist addresses the servants of God who stand in the temple, then those who are in the courts, whereas no notice was taken of the courts in the former Psalm. Mention seems to be made of courts in the plural number, because the priests had their court; and then there was another common to all the people, for by the law spoken of, (Lev 16:17,) they were prohibited from entering the sanctuary. To prevent any feeling of disgust which might arise from the very frequent repetition of this exhortation to the praises of God, it is only necessary to remember, as was already observed, that there is no sacrifice in which he takes greater delight than the expression of our gratitude. Thus, (Psa 50:14,)
“Sacrifice unto the Lord thanksgiving,
and pay your vows to the Most High;”
and, (Psa 116:12,)
“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.”
Particular attention is to be paid to those passages of Scripture which speak in such high terms of that worship of God which is spiritual; otherwise we may be led, in the exercise of a misguided zeal, to spend our labor upon trifles, and in this respect imitate the example of too many who have wearied themselves with ridiculous attempts to invent additions to the service of God, while they have neglected what is of all other things most important. This is the reason why the Holy Spirit so repeatedly inculcates the duty of praise. It is that we may not undervalue, or grow careless in this devotional exercise. It implies, too, an indirect censure of our tardiness in proceeding to the duty, for he would not reiterate the admonition were we ready and active in the discharge of it. The expression in the end of the verse — because it is sweet, admits of two meanings — that the name of God is sweet, as in the previous clause it was said that God is good — or, that it is a sweet and pleasant thing to sing God’s praises. The Hebrew word
TSK: Psa 135:1 - -- am 3000, bc 1004 (Title), Bp. Patrick supposes this to be the morning hymn which the precentor called upon the Levites to sing at the opening of the g...
am 3000, bc 1004 (Title), Bp. Patrick supposes this to be the morning hymn which the precentor called upon the Levites to sing at the opening of the gates of the temple, as the foregoing was sung at the shutting in the evening; but it is more probable that it was composed by Solomon, to be sung at the dedication of the temple.
Praise ye the Lord : Psa 33:1, Psa 33:2, Psa 96:1-4, Psa 106:1, Psa 107:8, Psa 107:15, Psa 111:1, Psa 112:1, Psa 113:1, Psa 117:1, Psa 117:2, Psa 150:6
Praise ye the name : Psa 7:17, Psa 102:21, Psa 113:2, Psa 113:3, Psa 148:13; Exo 34:5-7; Neh 9:5
O ye servants : Psa 113:1, Psa 134:1, Psa 149:1-3

TSK: Psa 135:2 - -- that stand : 1Ch 16:37-42, 1Ch 23:30; Neh 9:5; Luk 2:37
the courts : Psa 92:13, Psa 96:8, Psa 116:19
that stand : 1Ch 16:37-42, 1Ch 23:30; Neh 9:5; Luk 2:37
the courts : Psa 92:13, Psa 96:8, Psa 116:19

TSK: Psa 135:3 - -- for the Lord : Psa 106:1, Psa 107:1, Psa 118:1, Psa 119:68, Psa 136:1, Psa 145:7, Psa 145:8; Mat 19:17
for it is : Psa 33:1, Psa 63:5, Psa 92:1, Psa 9...

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Psa 135:1 - -- Praise ye the Lord - Hebrew, Hallelu-jah. Literally, "Praise Jah,"an abridged name for Yahweh. See the notes at Psa 68:4. Praise ye the na...
Praise ye the Lord - Hebrew, Hallelu-jah. Literally, "Praise Jah,"an abridged name for Yahweh. See the notes at Psa 68:4.
Praise ye the name of the Lord - The same as praising God himself.
Praise him, O ye servants of the Lord - You who are especially designated or appointed to this service, Psa 134:1.

Barnes: Psa 135:2 - -- Ye that stand in the house of the Lord - See the notes at Psa 134:1. That is, those who were appointed to conduct the services of religion, the...
Ye that stand in the house of the Lord - See the notes at Psa 134:1. That is, those who were appointed to conduct the services of religion, the priests and Levites.
In the courts of the house of our God - The areas, or parts assigned for different classes of worshippers around the tabernacle and the temple. See the notes at Mat 21:12; notes at Psa 92:13.

Barnes: Psa 135:3 - -- Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good - See Psa 107:1. Sing praises unto his name, for it is pleasant - See Psa 33:1; Psa 92:1. The idea ...
Poole: Psa 135:2 - -- Either in the temple or the inner court, which were appropriated to the priests and Levites; or in the outward court, which was for the people. See ...
Either in the temple or the inner court, which were appropriated to the priests and Levites; or in the outward court, which was for the people. See 2Ch 4:9 .

Poole: Psa 135:3 - -- Is good bountiful and gracious, especially to you, and therefore he justly expects and deserves your praises.
Is pleasant the work itself of singin...
Is good bountiful and gracious, especially to you, and therefore he justly expects and deserves your praises.
Is pleasant the work itself of singing praises to God is pleasant, as it is more fully expressed, Psa 147:1 .
God is to be praised for his wonderful works.

Haydock: Psa 135:1 - -- Alleluia, in Hebrew, is at the end of the last psalm. (Haydock) ---
It is omitted entirely in St. Augustine, &c. Origen thinks that the captives s...
Alleluia, in Hebrew, is at the end of the last psalm. (Haydock) ---
It is omitted entirely in St. Augustine, &c. Origen thinks that the captives sung this psalm at their return, as it greatly resembles the 106th, 134th, &c. (Calmet) ---
We read, (2 Paralipomenon vii. 6.) the priests stood in their offices, and the Levites, with the instruments of music of the Lord, which king David made to praise the Lord, "because his mercy endureth for ever," &c. This chorus is found only in this psalm, which seems therefore to have been sung at the dedication of the temple. (Berthier) ---
The first part of the verse was sung by the priests, or cantors, (Haydock) and the second was repeated perhaps by the people, (Calmet) or by other musicians, as we now answer at the litanies, and often repeat the Rosary, Glory, &c., (Worthington) which surely may be done without any superstition, though Leigh, in his Greek: Battologeo, and Casaubon (Exer. 14.) be pleased to ridicule the Jesus psalter, on this account. ---
Praise. Literally, "confess" (Haydock) your sins, and praise God. (St. Hilary) ---
For ever. Or is unbounded. His heart overflows at this thought. (Berthier)

Haydock: Psa 135:2 - -- Gods. Angels, kings, (Theodoret) or idols. (St. Augustine) ---
God is over all. (Calmet)
Gods. Angels, kings, (Theodoret) or idols. (St. Augustine) ---
God is over all. (Calmet)

Haydock: Psa 135:3 - -- Lord. By these three repetitions the blessed Trinity is insinuated, (Worthington) as some of the Fathers have remarked, though the argument is not c...
Lord. By these three repetitions the blessed Trinity is insinuated, (Worthington) as some of the Fathers have remarked, though the argument is not convincing. (Berthier)
Gill: Psa 135:1 - -- Praise ye the Lord,.... Or hallelujah; which may be considered as the title of the psalm; as in the Targum, Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, and A...
Praise ye the Lord,.... Or hallelujah; which may be considered as the title of the psalm; as in the Targum, Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, and Arabic versions:
praise ye the name of the Lord; that is, the Lord himself, and the perfections of his nature; his greatness, goodness, grace, and mercy; his holiness, justice, power, truth, and faithfulness; and also his word, by which he makes known himself, and is a distinguishing blessing to his people, and to be praised for it; see Psa 48:1;
praise him, O ye servants of the Lord; priests and Levites, and ministers of the word, and all the people of God; who once were the servants of sin, Satan, and the world, but now by the grace of God become his servants; see Rom 6:17. Some observe that the word praise is here used three times, which is thought not to be without a mystery; and may have regard to the three divine Persons in the Godhead, who are each to be praised; the Father for electing grace, the Son for redeeming grace, and the Spirit for regenerating and sanctifying grace.

Gill: Psa 135:2 - -- Ye that stand in the house of the Lord,.... That have a place and standing there, and go not out, being sons as well as servants; See Gill on Psa 134:...
Ye that stand in the house of the Lord,.... That have a place and standing there, and go not out, being sons as well as servants; See Gill on Psa 134:1 and See Gill on Psa 84:4;
in the courts of the house of our God; alluding to the courts in the temple, the court of the priests, where they stood and ministered, slaying and offering their sacrifices; and the great court, where all the Israelites stood and worshipped, 2Ch 4:9. So this may describe the worshippers of God in common, who should praise him: and happy are they that have a place here; see Psa 84:1.

Gill: Psa 135:3 - -- Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good,.... Essentially and communicatively; he is good, and he does good, in a providential way, to all men; and i...
Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good,.... Essentially and communicatively; he is good, and he does good, in a providential way, to all men; and in a way of special grace to his own people; for whom he has laid up and to whom he has promised good things, and on whom he bestows them; as pardon, righteousness, and eternal life; both grace and glory; and therefore they should praise him;
sing praises unto his name, for it is pleasant; either the work of singing praise is pleasant, being the employment of angels and glorified saints; the subject matter of it delightful, the blessings of grace flowing from the everlasting love of God it leads unto, which is excellent and better than life; and it must be pleasant work to a saint, because it is pleasing to God; and especially when the presence of God is enjoyed in it, and melody is made in the heart as well as with the mouth. Or the sense is, "his name is pleasant"; so Aben Ezra and Kimchi interpret it: for though it is holy and reverend in itself, and fearful and terrible to sinners; yet as it is proclaimed in Christ, it is exceeding delightful, and in whom all the perfections of God are glorified; particularly the name of God, as a covenant God and Father in Christ, blessing, with all spiritual blessings in him, is exceeding pleasant; as are all the names of Christ, and therefore to be praised.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes: Psa 135:1 Psalm 135. The psalmist urges God’s people to praise him because he is the incomparable God and ruler of the world who has accomplished great th...


NET Notes: Psa 135:3 Heb “for [it is] pleasant.” The translation assumes that it is the Lord’s “name” that is pleasant. Another option is to ...
Geneva Bible -> Psa 135:2
Geneva Bible: Psa 135:2 Ye that ( a ) stand in the house of the LORD, in the ( b ) courts of the house of our God,
( a ) You Levites who are in his sanctuary.
( b ) Meaning...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Psa 135:1-21
TSK Synopsis: Psa 135:1-21 - --1 An exhortation to praise God for his mercy;5 for his power;8 for his judgments.15 The vanity of idols.19 An exhortation to bless God.
MHCC -> Psa 135:1-4
MHCC: Psa 135:1-4 - --The subject-matter of praise, is the blessings of grace flowing from the everlasting love of God. The name of God as a covenant God and Father in Chri...
Matthew Henry -> Psa 135:1-4
Matthew Henry: Psa 135:1-4 - -- Here is, 1. The duty we are called to - to praise the Lord, to praise his name; praise him, and again praise him. We must not only thank him f...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Psa 135:1-4
Keil-Delitzsch: Psa 135:1-4 - --
The beginning is taken from Psa 134:1; Psa 135:2 recalls Psa 116:19 (cf. Psa 92:14); and Psa 135:4 is an echo of Deu 7:6. The servants of Jahve to ...
Constable: Psa 107:1--150:6 - --V. Book 5: chs. 107--150
There are 44 psalms in this section of the Psalter. David composed 15 of these (108-110...

Constable: Psa 135:1-21 - --Psalm 135
This psalm praises God for His greatness and for blessing His people. As Psalm 134, it calls o...
