Year 8, Day 276: Psalms 135-136

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Psalm 135 is clearly a psalm of praise.  How many times does the psalmist say “praise the Lord” or “bless the Lord?”  The psalmist is encouraging us to recognize the Lord’s greatness.

The question is, “why is the Lord great?”  I love the line in this psalm that says, “The Lord does what He wants.”  In humanity, this trait is a bad thing.  Among human beings, this would lead to self-centered behavior.  The Lord, however, can do whatever He wants because His nature is righteousness.  When the Lord does what He desires, the result is good.  It is good for Him and for us.

He makes the sun rise.  He makes the rain fall.  He makes the wind blow.  He chastises the nations.  He causes other nations to excel.  He gives us our true heritage.

He is God, and He is good.  He does what He desires because what He desires is inherently righteous.  He isn’t being self-centered, He is making sure that the world can see Him and His ways.

In the following psalm, we have nearly a mirror image of psalm 135.  Over and over again we are reminded to give thanks to the Lord.  We see the same references to the Lord’s greatness because of the Exodus and conquest of the Promised Land.  The psalmist’s point is clear.  We need to remember to give thanks to the Lord because of His work over us.

While we might not all have been a part of the Exodus, who among us has God not rescued?  While we might not all have been saved in the Red Sea from the Egyptians, who among us has not been saved from his enemies?  While we might not all have been fed manna from heaven, who among us has not participated in God’s provision?

Our stories may not be lifted up in scripture for all to remember, but we have all been touched by God.  His fingerprints are on us all.  We should give thanks, for His steadfast loves endures forever. 

<><