Psalms 135:3

Psalm 135:3 serves as a powerful exhortation to worship, grounding the command to praise in two fundamental truths about God and the act of worship itself. The verse states, "Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant." This concise declaration encapsulates key aspects of biblical praise.

Context

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise, likely intended for public worship, possibly in the Temple. It recounts God's mighty acts in history, from the Exodus and conquest of Canaan to His supremacy over idols. This particular verse, Psalm 135:3, functions as a direct invitation to the community to engage in worship, setting the stage for the recounting of God's wonderful deeds. It emphasizes the foundational reasons for praise before delving into the specifics of God's greatness.

Key Themes

• The Command to Praise: The verse opens with a direct imperative, "Praise the LORD" and "sing praises unto his name." This highlights that worship is not merely an option but a commanded response to God's nature and actions. It's an active, vocal expression of adoration.
• God's Inherent Goodness: The primary reason given for praise is that "the LORD is good." This isn't about what God does for us, but who He is. His goodness is an intrinsic quality of His character, a foundational truth that underpins all His dealings with humanity. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 100:5, "For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting."
• The Pleasantness of Worship: The second reason for praise is that "it is pleasant." This refers to the act of praising God itself. Worship is not meant to be a burdensome duty but a delightful and joyful experience. It is fitting, beautiful, and brings spiritual satisfaction, aligning with the idea that "it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant" (Psalm 147:1).

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "good" is tov (טוֹב), which conveys a broad sense of goodness, moral excellence, beneficence, and pleasantness. It implies that God is inherently benevolent and the source of all good things.
• The word for "pleasant" is na'im (נָעִים), meaning delightful, agreeable, beautiful, or fitting. It speaks to the inherent beauty and appropriateness of offering praise to God. It's not just subjectively pleasant, but objectively so – it is the right and proper response, bringing a sense of spiritual harmony and joy.

Practical Application

Psalm 135:3 offers timeless encouragement for believers today:

• Motivation for Worship: We are called to praise God not just for what He does, but for who He is—inherently good. This shifts our focus from circumstantial blessings to His unchanging character.
• Joy in Praise: The verse reminds us that worship should be a source of joy and delight, not a chore. When we understand God's goodness, our hearts naturally incline towards joyful adoration.
• Holistic Worship: "Sing praises unto his name" encourages vocal and heartfelt expression of worship, engaging both our minds and emotions in glorifying God's character and reputation.

By understanding that the LORD is good and that praising Him is a pleasant and fitting response, we are invited into a deeper, more joyful relationship with our Creator, echoing the call to "O taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8).