Psalm-135
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Tanakh versions:
Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF).
Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh:
1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all
other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job,
the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of
Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and
history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.
Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following two
truth’s from our beloved Scriptures!
“Ye
shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2.
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben
Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
I am about to commence with Psalm 135 which has 21 verses, and it contains a great deal of teaching. As with all Psalms there is always a few surprises in store, and this Psalm certainly have some!
Psalm 135 a brief summary:
Psalm 135 is a communal hymn of praise that calls אֱלֹהִים - Eohim’s servants to bless the Lord, celebrates אֱלֹהִים - Eohim’s sovereign acts in creation and history, and contrasts the living אֱלֹהִים - Elohim with powerless idols. The Psalm repeatedly reminds worshippers that אֱלֹהִים alone acts with purpose and rescues Israel, while idols are lifeless and ineffective.
Let us now read Tehillim - Psalm 135 in a very different way: (JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).
Let us now look at our concise ‘verse by verse’ reflection of this Psalm, each giving a short devotional insight and a practical application!
Another introduction to Psalm 135:
Psalm 135 is a “Great Hallel”
(Psalm of Praise), designed as a mosaic of Israel’s sacred history. It serves
as a powerful call to worship for those who stand in the house of the Eternal.
For a reader facing physical frailty, this Psalm offers comfort by shifting the
focus from human weakness to the enduring sovereignty of אֱלֹהִים. It reminds us that while
our physical strength may falter, the One who created the heavens and delivered
Israel remains constant throughout all generations.
For your
information:
We are going to look at this chapter in what is known as a “verse by verse” manner, showing the actual verse in bold, which is then followed by details and information of the verses. As always, I will be using the JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh:
1. “Hallelujah. Praise ye the Name of the LORD; Give praise, O ye servants of the LORD.
The Psalm begins with a “Hallelujah”, a
command to praise. It addresses those dedicated to אֱלֹהִים
- Elohim’s service, inviting them to find purpose in
acknowledging the Divine Name.
2. Ye that stand in the house of יְהוָה - the LORD, In the courts of the house of our אֱלֹהִים -Elohim.
This refers to the priests and Levites, but also metaphorically to anyone who dwells in a state of prayer or devotion, regardless of their physical location.
3. Praise ye יְהוָה - the LORD, for יְהוָה - the LORD is good; Sing praises unto His Name, for it is pleasant.
The motivation for praise is simple: אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s inherent goodness. The act of singing or reciting these words is described as "pleasant" it brings sweetness to the soul.
4. For יְהוָה - the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, And Israel for His own treasure.
This establishes the intimate relationship between אֱלֹהִים and His people. You are part of this "treasure," held dear by the Creator.
5. For I know that יְהוָה - the LORD is great, And that our Lord is above all אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s.
The Psalmist moves from collective praise to personal testimony: "I know." It is a firm statement of conviction in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s supremacy over all other powers.
6. Whatsoever יְהוָה - the LORD pleased, that hath He done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s will is absolute. This verse highlights His total agency over every corner of creation, from the highest heights to the deepest depths.
7. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; He maketh lightnings for the rain; He bringeth forth the wind out of His treasuries.
אֱלֹהִים - Elohim is the master of the natural world. Even the weather, vapours, lightning, and wind is a manifestation of His organized "treasuries”.
8. Who smote the first-born of Egypt, Both of man and beast.
9. He sent signs and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, Upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
The Psalm shifts to history, recalling the Exodus. These verses emphasize אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s intervention in human affairs to achieve justice.
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 an heritage, A heritage unto Israel His people.
These verses recount the journey to the Promised Land. The "heritage" is the lasting gift of a home and a covenant, proving אֱלֹהִים fulfils His promises.
13. Thy Name, O יְהוָה - LORD, endureth for ever; Thy memorial, O יְהוָה - LORD, throughout all generations.
While kings and nations fall, אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s reputation and memory are eternal. He is the same אֱלֹהִים today as He was in the days of Sihon and Og.
14. For יְהוָה - the LORD will judge His people, And repent Himself concerning His servants.
Here, "judge" means to vindicate or take up the cause of His people. אֱלֹהִים shows compassion ("repents Himself") toward those who serve Him, especially in their suffering.
15. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of men's hands.
16. They have mouths, but they speak not; Eyes have they, but they see not.
17. They have ears, but they hear not; Neither is there any breath in their mouths.
A contrast is drawn between the living אֱלֹהִים and lifeless idols. Though idols may look impressive (silver and gold), they are powerless and lack the "breath" of life.
18. They that make them shall be like unto them; Yea, every one that trusteth in them.
To trust in something lifeless is to become spiritually empty. Conversely, trusting in the Living אֱלֹהִים brings life.
19. O house of Israel, bless ye יְהוָה - the LORD; O house of Aaron, bless ye יְהוָה - the LORD.
20. O house of Levi, bless ye יְהוָה - the LORD; Ye that fear יְהוָה - the LORD, bless ye the LORD.
A universal call to all segments of the community, the people, the priests, and all who hold a “fear” (reverence) of אֱלֹהִים, to offer a blessing.
21. Blessed be יְהוָה - the LORD out of Zion, Who dwelleth at Jerusalem. Hallelujah.
The Psalm concludes where it began. אֱלֹהִים is praised from His earthly dwelling place, ending with a final "Hallelujah."
My Closing Message:
As you read these blessed words above, you may you find strength in Verse 14: “For יְהוָה - the LORD will judge His people, and repent Himself concerning His servants”.
This is a promise of Divine compassion. Though
our eyes may be dim and your body weary, however the אֱלֹהִים
- Elohim of Israel who moved the winds and led His
people through the wilderness, is always present with you.
אֱלֹהִים does not require you to do great deeds; He simply invites you to “stand in His courts” through your thoughts and your faith. May the “pleasantness” of His blessed Name bring you, the reader, a sense of deep peace and the knowledge that you are His “precious treasure”.
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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be
He, said the following via several of our prophets...
“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!
אֲנִי
יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem; walk in My statutes,
and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall
be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem”.
Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as
follows;
“The More Torah, the
More Life”
For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, Blessed be His Sanctified Name,
He
is the one who gave us our Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace
of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts.
be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your
daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks,
etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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