10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings,
To him that smote great kings, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever, And slew famous kings, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever; Sihon king of the Amorites, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever, And Og king of Bashan, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever; And gave their land for an inheritance, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever, An inheritance unto Israel his servant, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever:
Thou, by thy hand, didst dispossess the nations, but them thou didst plant; thou didst afflict the peoples, but them didst thou cause to spread out. For not by their own sword did they take possession of the land, neither did their own arm save them; but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst delight in them.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 135
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.