TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 135:5–14. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
..."Because," says he, "I know that the Lord is great, and our God is above all gods" [Psalm 135:5]. If we should say to him, we ask you, explain to us His greatness; would he not perchance answer us, He whom I see is not so very great, if He be able to be expounded by me. Let him then return to His works, and tell us. Let him hold in his conscience the greatness of God, which he has seen, which he has committed to our faith, whither he could not lead our eyes, and enumerate some of the things which the Lord has done here; that unto us, who cannot see His greatness as he can, He may become sweet through the works of His which we can comprehend....
Continue studying Psalms 135:5 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Psalm 135:5 stands as a profound theological declaration, asserting the unparalleled nature of Yahweh, Israel's covenant God. It proclaims His absolute sovereignty and unique supremacy, positioning Him far above any other supposed deities or powers. This verse encapsulates a core truth that undergirds the psalm's subsequent celebration of God's mighty acts in history, providing the foundational reason for Israel's worship, trust, and unwavering allegiance to the one true God. It is not merely an intellectual statement but a personal conviction born from a deep, experiential understanding of Yahweh's inherent greatness and His incomparable power demonstrated throughout creation and redemptive history.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 135 is a vibrant liturgical hymn of praise, likely intended for corporate worship in the temple, perhaps during a festival. It opens with an emphatic call for the servants of the LORD to praise His name (verses 1-3), setting a tone of adoration. Our focal verse, Psalm 135:5, serves as the theological bedrock for this praise, articulating why God is worthy of such exaltation. It transitions from a general call to worship to a specific exposition of God's character and deeds, laying the groundwork for the psalm's historical recounting of Yahweh's powerful acts, such as the plagues in Egypt and the conquest of Canaan (verses 8-12). Crucially, the psalm then draws a stark contrast between the living, active, and supreme God and the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations (verses 15-18), reinforcing the theme of God's unique power and unparalleled nature first established in verse 5. The psalm concludes with a renewed, fervent call for all Israel to bless the LORD (verses 19-21), bringing the worshipful response full circle to God's revealed character and mighty deeds.
Historical & Cultural Context
This psalm emerges from a historical and cultural milieu saturated with polytheism. Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan, worshipped vast pantheons of gods and goddesses, each associated with specific natural phenomena, cities, or aspects of life. The declaration "our Lord is above all gods" in Psalm 135:5 is a radical, polemical statement directly challenging these prevalent polytheistic worldviews. It asserts Yahweh's exclusive claim to ultimate power, authority, and existence, distinguishing Israel's monotheistic faith as profoundly unique. This was not a mere philosophical distinction but a fundamental truth that shaped Israel's national identity, their covenant relationship with God, and their mission to be a light to the nations. The historical events referenced later in the psalm, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the conquest of the Promised Land, served as powerful, tangible demonstrations of Yahweh's supremacy over the gods of Egypt (e.g., Ra, Osiris) and Canaan (e.g., Baal, Dagon), providing irrefutable evidence for the truth declared in this verse.
Key Themes
Psalm 135:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 135 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of God's Sovereignty and Supremacy, emphasizing that Yahweh is not merely one deity among many, but the supreme ruler over all creation, all nations, and all spiritual forces. This directly confronts and refutes idolatry, a pervasive temptation and sin throughout Israel's history, as seen in the stern warnings found in Deuteronomy 4:15-19. Another crucial theme is Divine Uniqueness and Incomparability, highlighting that God's greatness is inherent, absolute, and sets Him apart from everything else in existence. This concept is powerfully echoed in prophetic declarations like Isaiah 40:18 and Isaiah 46:9. Finally, the personal declaration "For I know" introduces the theme of Personal Knowledge and Conviction, suggesting that the truth about God's greatness is not just an abstract doctrine but a deeply held, experiential understanding that compels worship and trust. This personal knowledge of God's character and deeds is a recurring motif, as expressed in Jeremiah 9:24.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H3045) signifies a profound, experiential, and often relational knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual assent. It implies understanding gained through observation, personal experience, and recognition. In this context, the Psalmist's "knowing" of God's greatness is born out of a deep engagement with God's revealed character and His mighty acts in history, leading to a confident and assured declaration of truth. It is a knowledge that transforms and compels worship.
This adjective (H1419) describes something vast, mighty, significant, or powerful in any sense. When applied to the LORD, it denotes His inherent majesty, infinite power, immense authority, and incomparable nature. It speaks to His transcendence and His attributes that set Him apart as the supreme being, far exceeding any created thing or supposed deity. It encompasses His boundless might, wisdom, and glory.
This term (H113) refers to a sovereign, controller, master, or owner, emphasizing authority and dominion. While it can refer to human masters, here, in parallel with "the LORD" (YHWH, H3068) and in stark contrast to "all gods" (H430), it underscores God's absolute mastery and rightful rule over all things, including all other spiritual powers or entities. It highlights His position as the rightful sovereign and possessor of His people.
Verse Breakdown
"For I know that the LORD is great"
This opening clause establishes the Psalmist's personal conviction and the foundational truth upon which the entire declaration rests. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH, God's covenant name, H3068) emphasizes His personal, relational, and self-existent nature, the one who truly is. The declaration that He "is great" (H1419) speaks to His inherent, incomparable majesty, power, and boundless attributes that distinguish Him from all creation. This is not a derived greatness but an intrinsic, eternal quality of His being, the source of all power and authority.
"and that our Lord is above all gods"
This second clause builds upon the first, specifying the nature of God's greatness as one of absolute supremacy. "Our Lord" (ʼâdôwn, H113) highlights His dominion and authority, particularly over His people, emphasizing a personal relationship of submission and trust. The phrase "above all gods" (ʼĕlôhîym, H430, referring here to pagan deities or idols) directly confronts the polytheistic worldview of the ancient world. It asserts that Yahweh is not merely the greatest among many deities but stands in a category entirely by Himself, rendering all other "gods" as utterly subordinate, powerless, or non-existent in comparison to His infinite power and authority. This is a powerful statement of exclusive monotheism.
Literary Devices
Psalm 135:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is Affirmation, a direct and confident statement of truth ("For I know that the LORD is great"), which establishes the Psalmist's unwavering conviction. This is immediately followed by a powerful Contrast between the true God and "all gods," highlighting Yahweh's singular supremacy against the backdrop of pagan deities. The phrase "above all gods" functions as a clear Supremacy Language or a Monotheistic Polemic, directly challenging and dismissing the validity and power of other divine claims. The personal pronoun "I know" introduces a strong element of Personal Testimony and conviction, making the theological declaration deeply resonant and relatable rather than a mere abstract statement. This combination of personal conviction and theological assertion creates a compelling and authoritative declaration of God's unique and unrivaled nature.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalm 135:5 encapsulates a foundational truth of biblical theology: the absolute sovereignty and incomparable nature of God. This verse is a powerful declaration of monotheism in a polytheistic world, asserting that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is not merely one deity among many, but the ultimate and only true God. His greatness is not relative but inherent, establishing Him as the supreme authority over all creation, all nations, and all spiritual powers. This truth underpins the entire biblical narrative, from creation to redemption, affirming that God alone is worthy of worship, trust, and obedience, and that no other power or entity can genuinely challenge His ultimate dominion. It is the very essence of who God is, demanding exclusive devotion and dispelling all notions of rival deities.
Reflection and Application
The Psalmist's confident declaration, "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods," invites us into a similar posture of profound conviction and worship. In a world still filled with "gods"—whether they be the allure of materialism, the pursuit of power, the idolization of self, the worship of comfort, or even intellectual pursuits that subtly supplant divine authority—this verse calls us to critically re-evaluate our allegiances and the objects of our ultimate trust. Knowing God's incomparable greatness and His absolute supremacy over all things should cultivate an unshakable confidence in His power to act on our behalf, His infinite wisdom to guide us through life's complexities, and His unwavering faithfulness to sustain us in every season. This truth liberates us from the anxieties of a seemingly chaotic and unpredictable world, reminding us that no problem is too big, no enemy too strong, and no circumstance beyond the sovereign reach of our God. This profound understanding fuels genuine worship, motivates courageous witness in a world that needs to know the true God, and provides deep comfort and peace in every trial, knowing that the One who holds all things in His hands is our personal and supreme Lord.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "above all gods" mean in a monotheistic context?
In a monotheistic context, such as that of ancient Israel and Christianity, "above all gods" does not imply that other gods genuinely exist as divine beings alongside Yahweh. Instead, it functions as a powerful polemic against the pagan deities worshipped by surrounding nations, asserting that they are either non-existent, mere idols of wood and stone, or utterly powerless and subordinate in comparison to the one true God. The phrase emphasizes Yahweh's absolute and unrivaled supremacy, declaring that He alone possesses true divine power, authority, and sovereignty. It underscores the unique nature of Israel's God, contrasting Him sharply with the impotent idols described later in Psalm 135:15-18 and throughout the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Jeremiah 10:1-16.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalm 135:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "greatness" of the LORD and His being "above all gods" is fully revealed and embodied in Jesus, who is the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15). Through Christ, the invisible God's power and supremacy are made manifest, as He demonstrated absolute authority over creation itself (Mark 4:39), over sickness and disease (Matthew 8:16), over demonic forces (Luke 4:36), and even over death itself (John 11:43-44). The "gods" of this fallen world—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—were definitively conquered and disarmed by Christ on the cross and through His glorious resurrection (Colossians 2:15). Therefore, when we declare that "our Lord is above all gods," we are ultimately affirming the cosmic lordship of Jesus Christ, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (Matthew 28:18). He is the true and living God, the one to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess (Philippians 2:10-11), demonstrating His absolute supremacy over all things, visible and invisible, now and forevermore.