Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise that extols the greatness of the Lord and emphasizes the futility of idolatry. The psalm opens with a clear call to worship, inviting the servants of the Lord to praise His name within the sacred spaces of the temple. The psalmist begins by declaring that the Lord is good and that singing to His name is a delightful act. This sets the tone for a celebratory acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and His unique relationship with Israel, whom He has chosen as His own possession. The psalmist asserts the greatness of the Lord, emphasizing that He is above all other gods and that His will is accomplished throughout creation. The text recounts significant historical events where God demonstrated His power, such as the plagues in Egypt and His victories over other nations. These acts serve as reminders of His faithfulness to His people and His ability to judge and deliver. The psalm contrasts the living God with the lifeless idols of the nations, which are mere creations of human hands, incapable of speech or perception. This contrast serves as a warning to those who might be tempted to trust in false gods, highlighting that those who create and worship idols become like them—spiritually dead and blind. The chapter concludes with a call for various groups within Israel to bless the Lord, reinforcing communal worship and the collective acknowledgment of God's enduring name and compassion. Overall, Psalm 135 is a powerful declaration of God's supremacy and a call to fidelity to Him, positioning worship as a response to His mighty deeds and character.