June 26, 2025
Praise, Praise, Praise, Bless, Bless, Bless
Psalm 131-136
Ruth Andrade
Big Book Idea
Worship is our response to God for who He is and what He has done!
Key Verse | Psalm 135:1
Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the LORD.
Psalm 131-136
Chapter 131
I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3
O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore.
Chapter 132
The LORD Has Chosen Zion
A Song of Ascents.
1
Remember, O LORD, in David's favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2
how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3
“I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4
I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5
until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6
Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7
“Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!”
8
Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy.
10
For the sake of your servant David,
do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11
The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:
“One of the sons of your body
1
132:11
Hebrew of your fruit of the womb
I will set on your throne.
12
If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
their sons also forever
shall sit on your throne.”
13
For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14
“This is my resting place forever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15
I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16
Her priests I will clothe with salvation,
and her saints will shout for joy.
17
There I will make a horn to sprout for David;
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18
His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him his crown will shine.”
Chapter 133
When Brothers Dwell in Unity
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2
133:1
Or dwell together
2
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Chapter 134
Come, Bless the LORD
A Song of Ascents.
1
Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
2
Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the LORD!
3
May the LORD bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!
Chapter 135
Your Name, O LORD, Endures Forever
1
Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2
who stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God!
3
Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
3
135:3
Or for he is beautiful
4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
5
For I know that the LORD is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6
Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all deeps.
7
He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
who makes lightnings for the rain
and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
8
He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
both of man and of beast;
9
who in your midst, O Egypt,
sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10
who struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings,
11
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12
and gave their land as a heritage,
a heritage to his people Israel.
13
Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown,
4
135:13
Or remembrance
O LORD, throughout all ages.
14
For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
15
The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
16
They have mouths, but do not speak;
they have eyes, but do not see;
17
they have ears, but do not hear,
nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18
Those who make them become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
19
O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20
O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21
Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
he who dwells in Jerusalem!
Praise the LORD!
Chapter 136
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
4
to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5
to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6
to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7
to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8
the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
10
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11
and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13
to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14
and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15
but overthrew
5
136:15
Hebrew shook off
Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16
to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
17
to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18
and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20
and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21
and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22
a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
23
It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24
and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25
he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Fact: Songs of Ascents
Psalm 122 is one of the 15 Songs of Ascents, which were sung by worshipers who were on their way up to the temple. It reflects the joy of seeing God’s chosen city, Jerusalem, and being in the house of God to worship. The Songs of Ascents include Psalms 120–134.
Fact: Anointing with oil
Anointing with oil. It was common during festivals for people to have their foreheads anointed with fragrant oils. This not only provided a pleasant aroma but gave the person a glistening look of good health. (See 133:2.)
Fact: Wonders
Wonders can also be translated “marvels.” The word is often used to describe God’s works of rescuing his people and protecting and caring for them (9:1; 78:11; 98:1; Ex. 3:20; 34:10). In Ps. 136:4, it describes creation, showing that God’s work as Creator should fill us with awe and wonder.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 131:1 heart is not lifted up . . . eyes are not raised too high. Descriptions of arrogance and pride.
Ps. 131:2 Just as a weaned child is content simply having his mother’s presence, so the faithful worshiper is content (calmed and quieted) simply with God’s presence.
Psalm Ps. 131. This psalm of confidence in the Lord describes the ideal of a “calmed and quieted soul.”
Ps. 132:1–5 The psalm opens with a request that God will remember (see note on 25:6–7) all that David did to prepare the temple (see 2 Sam. 7:2; 1 Chron. 22:2–19). The prayer expresses the feeling that such sacrifice and hard work ought not be wasted.
Ps. 132:6–7 The pilgrims come from various villages in Judah to worship at his footstool (see 1 Chron. 28:2; Ps. 99:5).
Ps. 132:8–10 The worshipers pray that God will be present in his chosen resting place. Imagining the scene in Jerusalem, the worshipers pray that Israel will be true to its calling. do not turn away the face of your anointed one. The worshipers pray that God would continue showing favor to David’s heirs, so that Israel would remain a secure home for the faithful.
Psalm Ps. 132. The theme of this royal psalm is God’s covenant with David’s house to establish the dynasty for the good of the people and, eventually, of the whole world (2 Sam. 7:4–16). The psalm expresses confidence in these promises and asks the Lord to carry out his purpose (Ps. 132:1, 8–9). As a Song of Ascents, the psalm recalls how David’s dynasty is to ensure the stability of the nation, especially of Jerusalem (compare Psalm 122).
Ps. 132:11–18 swore to David. This promise is God’s answer to the prayer of vv. 8–10. God promised to preserve the dynasty, and expects the individual heirs of David to be faithful to the covenant.
Ps. 132:18 These words, sung during the exile, declare by faith that God would again fulfill his promises and raise up a new David.
Ps. 133:2 oil on the head. This oil made the priests “holy,” set apart for God’s purpose. The image means that when Israel is true to its ideal, it displays genuine dedication to God and carries out its calling in the world.
Fact: Anointing with oil
Anointing with oil. It was common during festivals for people to have their foreheads anointed with fragrant oils. This not only provided a pleasant aroma but gave the person a glistening look of good health. (See 133:2.)
Psalm Ps. 133. This wisdom psalm celebrates the beauty of unity. It uses two colorful similes to describe the blessedness of Israel being true to its calling.
Ps. 133:3 dew . . . falls on the mountains of Zion. The dew is crucial for the vegetation during the dry season (Gen. 27:28; 1 Kings 17:1; Hag. 1:10). A fruitful land was part of the covenantal ideal (see Deut. 28:1–14).
Ps. 134:1–2 The title servants of the LORD is addressed to the Levites (1 Kings 8:10–11; 1 Chron. 9:33). The worshiping congregation calls on them to lift up their hands and bless the LORD (see Ps. 28:2).
Psalm Ps. 134. This final Song of Ascents is geared toward a special worship occasion, perhaps the opening or closing of a festival.
Ps. 134:3 The priests then say to each of the worshipers, May the LORD bless you from Zion (that is, “from the place where you have been worshiping”).
Fact: Songs of Ascents
Psalm 122 is one of the 15 Songs of Ascents, which were sung by worshipers who were on their way up to the temple. It reflects the joy of seeing God’s chosen city, Jerusalem, and being in the house of God to worship. The Songs of Ascents include Psalms 120–134.
Ps. 135:1 In the Psalms, the name of the LORD, which refers to his character, inspires praise, love, trust, and hope.
Ps. 135:1–4 The psalm begins by calling the worshiping community to praise the LORD. The term servants of the LORD could be the Levitical attendants. It is more likely the faithful gathered for worship in the house of the LORD (the temple). The reason for the praise: For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself.
Ps. 135:5–7 The psalm moves to another reason to praise the Lord: he is great and is above all gods. This means that whatever the LORD pleases, he does, and there is no power that can stop him. He it is, rather than the gods of other nations, who controls the weather (clouds, rain, wind).
Ps. 135:8–12 The Lord has displayed his great power and his enduring love in the history of Israel. These verses mention the exodus from Egypt and the conquest of the Promised Land. The defeat of Sihon and Og (Num. 21:21–35) was the first taste of victory for the post-exodus generation of Israel, and it strengthened their faith.
Ps. 135:13 Renown could also be translated “remembrance.”
Ps. 135:13–14 Verse 13 recalls Ex. 3:15. God’s name signifies his continuing faithfulness to his people.
Ps. 135:15–18 This adapts the words of 115:4–8 to contrast the God who has chosen and cared for Israel with the useless gods of the Gentiles.
Psalm Ps. 135. God’s people are called to praise him for his majestic power, displayed in his deeds on their behalf.
Ps. 135:19–21 The only fitting response to such a great God is for the various members of the worshiping company (the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, the house of Levi, and those who fear the LORD) to bless the LORD.
Ps. 135:21 Blessed be. The passive form of “bless,” v. 19. The mention of Zion and Jerusalem is a reminder that this is where the whole people gathered to worship in the OT era. It is where God made his “name” dwell (Deut. 12:1–7).
Ps. 136:1–3 The song calls God’s people to give thanks to him because he is good, he is the God of gods, and he is the Lord of lords. This affirmation of the Lord’s supremacy shows why his steadfast love, which endures forever, is effective for his people.
Ps. 136:4 The word wonders (also translated “marvels”) usually refers to God’s deeds of rescuing, protecting, and caring for his people. Here it refers specifically to creation: God’s work of creation is wonderful, too.
Fact: Wonders
Wonders can also be translated “marvels.” The word is often used to describe God’s works of rescuing his people and protecting and caring for them (9:1; 78:11; 98:1; Ex. 3:20; 34:10). In Ps. 136:4, it describes creation, showing that God’s work as Creator should fill us with awe and wonder.
Ps. 136:4–9 The OT often reminds God’s people that the God who has redeemed them is also the God who created the world. Sometimes that reminder is given to reassure the people of God’s power. Sometimes (as here) it is given so that the people will see their own lives in relation to God’s continuing commitment to his creation.
Ps. 136:10–16 These verses recall how the Lord brought Israel out from among the Egyptians with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and led his people through the wilderness.
Ps. 136:17–22 These verses recall how God struck down great kings and gave their land to Israel as a heritage. The specific event here is the defeat of Sihon and Og.
Ps. 136:22 The people as a whole are God’s servant.
Psalm Ps. 136. This hymn calls on the worshiping congregation to give thanks to the Lord, who has shown his faithfulness throughout the history of God’s people. Each verse in this psalm has the same refrain, “for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Ps. 136:23–26 Now the song turns to an apparently more recent event, when the Lord remembered us in our low estate, and rescued us from our foes. The reference to food to all flesh (that is, not just to Israel), returns to the theme of the Lord as the universal Creator.
What's the deal with the oil on the head? Why do people raise their hands in worship?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 131-136
The theme in Psalm 135 is worship! My favorite part about serving with preschoolers is their excitement to praise God through singing and dancing in the theater room. Just as children sing, dance, and jump for joy while praising God, the Lord delights in knowing we do the same for Him. We serve a God who is good, compassionate, loving, and faithful. He is our Creator who made heaven and earth, and He created us to worship Him (Psalm 95:6).
As the people of God journeyed up to Jerusalem, they constantly remembered how good the Lord was, is, and will continue to be. They remembered WHO delivered them and from WHAT the Lord had delivered them.
The same God who delivered them has delivered us through His Son Jesus Christ! There is only one man who walked perfectly on this earth, and He bore my sins and your sins so that we could have eternal life with God. How amazing is it that we have the free gift of salvation even though we didn't deserve it because of our sin? That truth alone is a beautiful reason to praise and worship our Lord!
There are many ways you can worship God—by singing a song of praise, loving others, praying, reading Scripture aloud, fasting, admiring the wonders of nature, and so many other ways. My favorite thing to do is to memorize Scripture.
Joshua 1:8 says, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
God's Word is alive and active. There is no one like our God. Holy is the Lord Almighty. Praise be to God!
This month's memory verse
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
– Psalm 119:9-11
Discussion Questions
1. How do you worship God?
2. What has God delivered you from (a situation or a sin)?
3. Do you look forward to the day when we will worship our God forever? What do you think it will be like?
4. What has God taught you about Himself? How has that teaching impacted the way you live your life?