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Commentary on Psalms 135 verses 5–14
The psalmist had suggested to us the goodness of God, as the proper matter of our cheerful praises; here he suggests to us the greatness of God as the proper matter of our awful praises; and on this he is most copious, because this we are less forward to consider.
I. He asserts the doctrine of God's greatness (Psa 135:5): The Lord is great, great indeed, who knows no limits of time or place. He asserts it with assurance, "I know that he is so; know it not only by observation of the proofs of it, but by belief of the revelation of it. I know it; I am sure of it; I know it by my own experience of the divine greatness working on my soul." He asserts it with a holy defiance of all pretenders, though they should join in confederacy against him. He is not only above any god, but above all gods, infinitely above them, between him and them there is no comparison.
II. He proves him to be a great God by the greatness of his power, Psa 135:6. 1. He has an absolute power, and may do what he will: Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he, and none could control him, or say unto him, What doest thou? He does what he pleases, because he pleases, and gives not an account of any of his matters. 2. He has an almighty power and can do what he will; if he will work, none shall hinder. 3. This absolute almighty power is of universal extent; he does what he will in heaven, in earth, in the seas, and in all the deep places that are in the bottom of the sea or the bowels of the earth. The gods of the heathen can do nothing; but our God can do any thing and does do every thing.
III. He gives instances of his great power,
1.In the kingdom of nature, Psa 135:7. All the powers of nature prove the greatness of the God of nature, from whom they are derived and on whom they depend. The chain of natural causes was not only framed by him at first, but is still preserved by him. (1.) It is by his power that exhalations are drawn up from the terraqueous globe. The heat of the sun raises them, but it has that power from God, and therefore it is given as an instance of the glory of God that nothing is hidden from the heat of the sun, Psa 19:6. He causes the vapours to ascend (not only unhelped, but unseen, by us) from the earth, from the ends of the earth, that is, from the seas, by which the earth is surrounded. (2.) It is he who, out of those vapours so raised, forms the rain, so that the earth is no loser by the vapours it sends up, for they are returned with advantage in fruitful showers. (3.) Out of the same vapours (such is his wonderful power) he makes lightnings or the rain; by them he opens the bottles of heaven, and shakes the clouds, that they may water the earth. Here are fire and water thoroughly reconciled by divine omnipotence. They come together, and yet the water does not quench the fire, nor the fire lick up the water, as fire from heaven did when God pleased, Kg1 18:38. (4.) The same exhalations, to serve another purpose, are converted into winds, which blow where they list, from what point of the compass they will, and we are so far from directing them that we cannot tell whence they come nor whither they go, but God brings them out of his treasuries with as much exactness and design as a prudent prince orders money to issue out of his exchequer.
2.In the kingdoms of men; and here he mentions the great things God had formerly done for his people Israel, which were proofs of God's greatness as well as of his goodness, and confirmations of the truth of the scriptures of the Old Testament, which began to be written by Moses, the person employed in working those miracles. Observe God's sovereign dominion and irresistible power, (1.) In bringing Israel out of Egypt, humbling Pharaoh by many plagues, and so forcing him to let them go. These plagues are called tokens and wonders, because they came not in the common course of providence, but there was something miraculous in each of them. They were sent upon Pharaoh and all his servants, his subjects; but the Israelites, whom God claimed for his servants, his son, his first-born, his free-born, were exempted from them, and no plague came nigh their dwelling. The death of the first-born both of men and cattle was the heaviest of all the plagues, and that which gained the point. (2.) In destroying the kingdoms of Canaan before them, Psa 135:10. Those that were in possession of the land designed for Israel had all possible advantages for keeping possession. The people were numerous, and warlike, and confederate against Israel. They were great nations. Yet, if a great nation has a meek and mean-spirited prince, it lies exposed; but these great nations had mighty kings, and yet they were all smitten and slain - Sihon and Og, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, Psa 135:10, Psa 135:11. No power of hell or earth can prevent the accomplishment of the promise of God when the time, the set time, for it has come. (3.) In settling them in the land of promise. He that gives kingdoms to whomsoever he pleases gave Canaan to be a heritage to Israel his people. It came to them by inheritance, for their ancestors had the promise of it, though not the possession; and it descended as an inheritance to their seed. This was done long before, yet God is now praised for it; and with good reason, for the children were now enjoying the benefit of it.
IV. He triumphs in the perpetuity of God's glory and grace. 1. Of his glory (Psa 135:13): Thy name, O God! endures for ever. God's manifestations of himself to his people have everlasting fruits and consequences. What God doeth it shall be for ever, Ecc 3:14. His name endures for ever in the constant and everlasting praises of his people; his memorial endures, has endured hitherto, and shall still endure throughout all generations of the church. This seems to refer to Exo 3:15, where, when God had called himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he adds, This is my name for ever and this is my memorial unto all generations. God is, and will be, always the same to his church, a gracious, faithful, wonder-working God; and his church is, and will be, the same to him, a thankful praising people; and thus his name endures for ever. 2. Of his grace. He will be kind to his people. (1.) He will plead their cause against others that contend with them. He will judge his people, that is, he will judge for them, and will not suffer them to be run down. (2.) He will not himself contend for ever with them, but will repent himself concerning his servants, and not proceed in his controversy with them; he will be entreated for them, or he will be comforted concerning them; he will return in ways of mercy to them and will delight to do them good. This verse is taken from the song of Moses, Deu 32:36.
Then follows the loud cry of His praise. "Your Name, O Lord, is for ever and ever" [Psalm 135:13], after all these things which You have done. For what do I see that You have done? I behold Your creation which You have made in heaven, I behold this lower part, where we dwell, and here I see Your gifts of clouds, and winds, and rain. I regard Your people; Thou leddest them from the house of bondage, and did signs and wonders upon their enemies. You punished those who caused them trouble, You drove the wicked from their land, You killed their kings, You gave their land to Your people: I have seen all these things, and filled with joy have said, "Lord, Your Name is for ever and ever."...
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SUMMARY
Psalms 135:13 stands as a powerful and enduring declaration within a communal hymn of praise, asserting the eternal nature and everlasting renown of the God of Israel. It proclaims that the Lord's character and His identity, unlike the transient deities and fleeting empires of the world, are immutable and perpetually remembered across all generations, providing an unshakable foundation for His people's worship, trust, and intergenerational faithfulness.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 135 functions as a liturgical hymn, likely intended for temple worship, possibly during significant festivals that commemorated God's mighty acts, such as Passover. The psalm begins with an urgent and inclusive call to praise the Lord, specifically addressing those who serve in the temple (/psalms/135-1-3 "Psalm 135:1-3 - Call to Praise the Lord"). This initial exhortation transitions into a comprehensive recounting of God's unparalleled power and historical faithfulness. The psalmist highlights God's sovereign choice of Israel as His treasured possession (/psalms/135-4 "Psalm 135:4 - God's Special Possession"), His omnipotence over all creation (/psalms/135-5-7 "Psalm 135:5-7 - God's Greatness and Power"), and His decisive acts of deliverance, particularly the plagues in Egypt and the conquest of kings in the Promised Land (/psalms/135-8-12 "Psalm 135:8-12 - God's Mighty Deeds for Israel"). Verse 13, the focus of this commentary, serves as a climactic theological affirmation, articulating the eternal nature of God's identity and fame. This declaration then sets up a stark and powerful contrast with the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations, which are meticulously described in the subsequent verses (/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The Futility of Idols"), before the psalm concludes with a final, resounding call for all Israel to bless the Lord (/psalms/135-19-21 "Psalm 135:19-21 - A Concluding Call to Praise").
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical and cultural backdrop for Psalm 135 is likely the post-exilic period, where the community was engaged in the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of their national and spiritual identity. In this context, the psalm's robust affirmation of Yahweh's unique power and enduring faithfulness served as a crucial reminder and source of encouragement. It reinforced Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people amidst the pervasive polytheism of the ancient Near East. Unlike the transient, localized, or anthropomorphic deities worshipped by surrounding nations, whose influence was often tied to specific regions, human rulers, or limited domains, the psalm unequivocally declares Yahweh's universal and eternal sovereignty. The assertion that God's "name" and "memorial" endure "for ever" and "throughout all generations" directly challenged the prevailing worldview, emphasizing that the God of Israel was not bound by time, geography, or the rise and fall of earthly empires, but was incomparably supreme and eternally active in history. This declaration would have instilled confidence and steadfastness in a community grappling with its place in a world dominated by powerful, often hostile, foreign empires.
Key Themes: Psalms 135:13 profoundly contributes to several core theological and narrative themes within Psalm 135 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores God's Eternal Nature and Immutability. The declaration that God's "name" and "memorial" endure "for ever" and "throughout all generations" highlights His unchanging character and everlasting existence, providing a stable foundation for faith in a world characterized by flux and impermanence. This resonates deeply with other biblical affirmations of God's constancy, such as the declaration in Malachi 3:6 that the Lord does not change, and the New Testament affirmation in James 1:17 that God is without shadow of turning. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Divine Remembrance and Perpetual Commemoration. God's "memorial" signifies not only His own faithful remembrance of His covenant and people but also humanity's perpetual remembrance and proclamation of His mighty deeds and His unique identity. This concept is deeply rooted in the foundational revelation of God's name to Moses, where God explicitly declared, "this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations" (/exodus/3-15 "Exodus 3:15 - God's Enduring Name and Memorial"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly, and the psalm explicitly, speaks to God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness. By contrasting God's enduring nature with the lifelessness and impotence of idols in the verses that immediately follow (/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The Impotence of Idols"), the psalm asserts Yahweh's supreme authority and singular worthiness of worship above all other supposed deities.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 135:13 is crafted with several potent literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses "Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever" and "and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations" express similar ideas in different words, reinforcing the central message of God's eternal nature and enduring renown. The concept of God's "name" enduring "for ever" is mirrored and expanded by His "memorial" enduring "throughout all generations," creating a powerful echo that deepens the impact. The direct address "O LORD" is an example of Apostrophe, a rhetorical device where the speaker directly addresses an absent person or a personified object. This creates a sense of intimate, personal praise and elevates the declaration, making it a direct and fervent address to the Divine. Furthermore, the terms "name" and "memorial" function as Metonymy, where these abstract concepts stand in for God's entire being, character, and historical acts. The "name" encapsulates His essence and authority, while the "memorial" represents the lasting impact and perpetual remembrance of His works, making the abstract concept of God's eternity tangible and comprehensible to the worshiper.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 135:13 articulates a foundational truth of biblical theology: God's eternal nature and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. This verse assures believers that the God they worship is not a transient deity, but One whose character, promises, and redemptive acts are immutable and perpetually relevant. This declaration provides immense comfort and stability, knowing that the source of their hope and salvation is an unshifting, ever-present reality. It also underscores the profound importance of the intergenerational transmission of faith, as God's "memorial" is to be kept alive "throughout all generations," calling each new generation to remember, proclaim, and pass on the mighty deeds and enduring identity of God. This perpetuates the covenant relationship and ensures that His glory is continually recognized and celebrated.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless change, fleeting trends, and shifting allegiances, Psalms 135:13 offers a profound and unshakeable anchor for the soul. The declaration that God's name and memorial endure forever reminds us that our ultimate hope, security, and identity rest not in human institutions, temporary circumstances, or personal achievements, but in the unchanging, eternal character of the Almighty. This truth invites us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in Him, knowing that His promises are steadfast, His love is unfailing, and His power is undiminished across all time. It frees us from the anxiety of impermanence and calls us to align our lives with His eternal purposes. Furthermore, the call for His "memorial" to endure "throughout all generations" places a sacred responsibility upon us, the current generation of believers. We are not merely passive recipients of a historical faith but active participants in its transmission. This means intentionally recounting God's mighty acts, teaching His Word, living lives that bear witness to His enduring faithfulness, and investing in the spiritual formation of the next generation, ensuring that they too will know, remember, and worship the God whose name endures forever.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "name" and "memorial" in Psalms 135:13?
Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" (Hebrew: shêm) is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of an individual. When applied to God, "Thy name, O LORD" refers to His revealed being, His attributes, His power, and His covenant relationship with Israel. It signifies that God's essential nature and all that He is remains eternally consistent and powerful, never diminishing or changing. "Memorial" (Hebrew: zêker) refers to God's enduring fame, His remembered acts of power and faithfulness, and the way He is called to mind by His people. It's not just about God remembering His people, but about humanity remembering and proclaiming His greatness. Together, these terms emphasize that God's identity, His mighty deeds (such as the Exodus and the giving of the Law), and His covenant faithfulness are not forgotten but are perpetually celebrated and proclaimed across all generations, ensuring His continued recognition and worship. This concept is deeply rooted in Exodus 3:15, where God explicitly declares His name and memorial to be for all generations, establishing a perpetual remembrance of His divine identity and saving acts.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, for He is the very embodiment of God's eternal "name" and "memorial" made manifest in human history. The "name, O LORD," which endures forever, is perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, the eternal Son of God, whose divine nature is without beginning or end and who declares Himself as the Alpha and the Omega. Furthermore, the "memorial... throughout all generations" is supremely realized in Christ's redemptive work. His life, atoning death, glorious resurrection, and triumphant ascension constitute the greatest acts of God's power and faithfulness, establishing a new covenant that is eternal and remembered by believers across all ages through the Lord's Supper ("Do this in remembrance of me") and the proclamation of the Gospel. The enduring fame and remembrance of God are now inextricably linked to the person and saving work of Christ, through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together and through whom we have eternal life. Thus, the psalm's declaration points forward to the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice and reign ensure that God's name and memorial will indeed endure for all generations, for He has been given the name that is above every name, to the glory of God the Father.