Psalms 135:1

Commentary on Psalms 135:1 (KJV)

Psalm 135:1 opens with a powerful and direct call to worship, setting the tone for a psalm dedicated to extolling the greatness of the LORD. This verse serves as an invitation and an imperative for all who belong to God to engage in heartfelt adoration.

Context

Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise that celebrates God's sovereignty over creation, history, and all nations. It is often considered part of the "Hallel" collection (though not strictly the Egyptian Hallel, Psalms 113-118), which were psalms recited at major Jewish festivals. This psalm likely served a liturgical purpose, calling the assembly, particularly the temple servants, to communal worship. It echoes themes found in other psalms of praise, such as the universal call to praise in Psalm 148 and the celebration of God's enduring mercy in Psalm 136.

Key Themes

• The Call to Praise (Hallelujah): The verse begins and ends with the exhortation to "Praise ye the LORD." This is the Hebrew phrase Hallelujah (הַלְלוּ יָהּ), a compound of halal (to praise, boast, shine) and Yah (a shortened form of Yahweh, God's personal covenant name). It is a direct, emphatic command to glorify God, indicating that praise is not merely an option but a foundational response for believers.
• The Significance of God's Name: The instruction to "Praise ye the name of the LORD" highlights the importance of God's revealed character and authority. In biblical thought, a "name" represents the essence and reputation of a person. Praising God's name means acknowledging His power, faithfulness, holiness, and all that He has revealed Himself to be, from His self-revelation to Moses as "I AM" in Exodus 3:14 to the name above all names given to Jesus Christ.
• The Identity of the Praisers: The audience is specifically identified as "O ye servants of the LORD." While this term could refer to the Levites and priests who served in the temple, it broadly encompasses all who are devoted to God's service and committed to His will. It underscores that worship is a privilege and duty for those who have entered into a relationship with Him, reflecting a life consecrated to Him, much like the living sacrifice of praise mentioned in Romans 12:1.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "Praise ye the LORD" is a direct translation of Hallelujah (הַלְלוּ יָהּ). The term halal implies not just verbal praise but also a vibrant, active, and sometimes even boisterous expression of adoration. The use of "LORD" in all capitals signifies the divine name Yahweh (YHWH), God's covenant name, distinguishing Him from all false gods. Praising the "name of the LORD" (shem YHWH) is to praise His very being and all His attributes.

Practical Application

This opening verse of Psalm 135 serves as a timeless reminder that praise is central to the life of faith. It's a call for believers today to actively and intentionally glorify God, not just in moments of joy but as a continuous lifestyle. It encourages us to:

• Be Intentional in Worship: Recognize praise as a command and a privilege, not just an emotional response.
• Focus on God's Character: Let our praise be rooted in who God is—His faithfulness, power, and love—as revealed through His actions and His Word.
• Live as His Servants: Understand that our service to God is intrinsically linked to our worship of Him. As servants, our ultimate purpose is to bring Him glory.

Thus, Psalm 135:1 is a foundational declaration, inviting all who serve the living God to join in a unified chorus of Hallelujah!