Worthy.Bible » ASV » Psalms » Chapter 135 » Verse 8-12

Psalms 135:8-12 American Standard (ASV)

8 Who smote the first-born of Egypt, Both of man and beast;

9 Who sent signs and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, Upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants;

10 Who smote many nations, And slew mighty kings,

11 Sihon king of the Amorites, And Og king of Bashan, And all the kingdoms of Canaan,

12 And gave their land for a heritage, A heritage unto Israel his people.

Commentary on Psalms 135 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 135

Ps 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship.

1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

6. heaven, and … seas, and all … ends of the earth—denote universality.

8, 9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."

10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.

13. heritage—or, "possession."

name … memorial—Each denote that by which God is made known.

14. will judge—do justice (Ps 72:2).

repent himself—change His dealings (Ps 90:13).

15-18. (Compare Ps 115:4-8).

18. are like unto them—or, "shall be like," &c. Idolaters become spiritually stupid and perish with their idols (Isa 1:31).

19-21. (Compare Ps 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.

21. out of Zion—(Compare Ps 110:2; 134:3). From the Church, as a center, His praise is diffused throughout the earth.