Psalms 135 - Introduction

CXXXV. This psalm is a mosaic from older writings, and was plainly put together for liturgic use. It pretends to no originality, and shows very little art or care in the composition. The date must be very late.... [ Continue Reading ]

Psalms 135:1

The psalm opens with an adaptation and expansion (comp. Psalms 116:19) of Psalms 134:1. As there, the priestly class is addressed. Some, however, think that the addition, “courts of the house of our God,” as well as Psalms 135:19, make the application to all these standing in covenant relation to Je... [ Continue Reading ]

Psalms 135:3

SING PRAISES. — Rather, _play._ FOR IT IS PLEASANT — i.e., thus to sing hallelujah. (See Psalms 147:1; Proverbs 22:18. Others take _name_ as the subject, and the Prayer-Book version suggested to Crashaw the beautiful hymn beginning “Come lovely name,” &c.... [ Continue Reading ]

Psalms 135:4

PECULIAR TREASURE. — A special covenant-name for Israel (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6, &c.), and of private property (1 Chronicles 29:3; Ecclesiastes 2:8).... [ Continue Reading ]

Psalms 135:7

Adapted from Jeremiah 10:13; Jeremiah 51:16. CAUSETH THE VAPOURS TO ASCEND. — Mr. Burgess is undoubtedly right in referring this to the _mist_ which went up from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground “before the useful trouble of the rain” (Genesis 2:6), since the original passage in... [ Continue Reading ]

Psalms 135:8

EGYPT. — This abrupt change from the miracles of nature to the marvels of history is apparently copied from the next psalm, where see Note, Psalms 135:10.... [ Continue Reading ]

Psalms 135:21

OUT OF ZION. — As in Psalms 128:5, Jehovah blesses the covenant people out of Zion, so here they bless him out of Zion — that is the place where the reciprocal relation is best and chiefly realised. This localisation is made more emphatic by the addition of the name Jerusalem to Zion. (Comp. Psalms... [ Continue Reading ]

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