Psalm 135 (134):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Another translator, whose name remains unknown, notes the act of lifting (αναβιβάζων). Yet another, also unnamed, describes it as drawing from the confines (ανασπα̃ απ ακρων). A fourth, yet again unknown, speaks of taking from the end (εκ τελέσματος). Job observes, ‘he enclosed the waters in his clouds’ (Job 26:8), while Solomon notes, ‘knotted the waters in his garments’ (Proverbs 30:4). However, these remarks are merely the beginning; there is something even more wondrous at play. What might this be? It is remarkable that denser air ascends, carrying upwards what is heavy, moving in a direction contrary to its usual nature.

It is a source of great joy for us to acknowledge the sentiments expressed in this Psalm. We are encouraged to “Praise the name of the Lord” (Psalm 134:1). This instruction includes a profound reason for honoring His name: “Praise the Lord, ye servants.” What could be more commendable? What could inspire more gratitude? If He instructs His faithful servants—those who proclaim His Word, lead His Church, honor His name, and adhere to His commandments—to experience the sweetness of their own lives, that they may not be corrupted by praise or brought low by the criticisms of others, how much greater is He—the Immutable One—who imparts all wisdom unceasingly? As servants, praising your Lord is entirely appropriate. Indeed, even if your role were to remain as mere servants forever, you would still have cause to praise Him; how much more should you, the beloved servants, honor the Lord to inherit the blessings befitting sons!

Therefore, those of you who stand in the house of the Lord, within the courts of our God, should praise Him (Psalm 134:2). Be grateful; you were once outside but are now welcomed within. Is it not a significant blessing to reflect upon the One who lifted you from despair and granted you a place in His house to know and worship Him? Is it trivial that we can stand in the Lord’s sanctuary? Anyone who contemplates this and remains ungrateful truly neglects an understanding of the divine love that has been bestowed upon them. In light of receiving such immense favors from God, what remains for them but to offer thanks? The act of gratitude involves taking the cup of salvation and calling upon His name. How can any servant repay the Lord for the abundance He has given?

What reason do I offer for praising Him? The Lord is good (Psalm 134:3). This succinctly summarizes the essence of our worship. While God is fundamentally good, it surpasses the goodness of all He has created. For He declared all things to be very good (Genesis 1:31). He fashioned heaven, earth, and all within them, not just good, but exceedingly good. If He deemed all creation good, what can we say of the Creator Himself?

How far can we articulate His goodness? Who can fathom or articulate the sheer goodness of the Lord? Yet, let us turn our gaze inward, recognizing Him through His creation, for we are unworthy to behold Him directly. In striving to encounter Him when our hearts are purified by faith, may we find joy in the Truth. As His invisibility surrounds us, let us admire His handiwork that compels us to praise Him. Thus, we sing, "Praise the Lord, for He is good; sing praises to His name, for He is delightful." He is our Mediator, thus sweet and pleasing. What is sweeter than the food of angels? If mankind can partake in divine sustenance, how can God not be good when He provides such fare? Men and angels share in the goodness of creation. It is truth, wisdom, and the goodness of God, though we cannot fully relish it as angels do. To allow humanity to savor their divine sustenance, the Creator of angels took upon Himself humanity. When you truly savor how sweet the Lord is, let your heart sing praises; if you find delight in what you have tasted, how can you remain ungrateful to the one who provides for you?

"The Lord has chosen Jacob, Israel to be His people" (Psalm 134:4). Jacob should not lift himself up in pride, nor should he claim merit for his election. He was known and predestined prior to his formation, chosen not by virtue of his own deeds but rather by the grace of God. The same can be said for the Gentiles. What merit did the wild olive tree possess to be grafted into the cultivated vine, given its bitterness and barrenness? Once a wilderness, it was without the Lord’s nurturing until, in His mercy, He incorporated it into the true vine.

"I know that the Lord is great, and our God is above all gods" (Psalm 134:5). If one asks to articulate His majesty, he would say it is beyond the comprehension of his own sight. One should return to His works to proclaim what he has experienced. Preserve within your conscience the greatness of God that you have perceived, as we are encouraged to share in the testimonies of what the Lord has accomplished. To those of us who cannot behold His greatness directly, His deeds serve to reveal His sweetness, as we can grasp these works of creation.

The Lord created all that was desired in heaven and on earth, in the sea and all its depths (Psalm 133:6). Who can fully understand such mysteries? Who can recount all that God has made in the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the depths? While we cannot comprehend everything, we are called to believe and hold fast to these truths without reservation, for all creation was wrought by the Lord.

"The lifting of clouds from the ends of the earth" (Psalm 134:7)—we see the evidence of God’s work in creation. Clouds gather from distant reaches of the earth and bring forth rain; we do not question their origins. The prophet signifies that clouds rise from the earth at His command. Lightning, which can terrify, transforms into life-giving rain. The One who originally instilled fear brings forth joy in the downpour. He who releases the winds from His treasure maintains a hidden cause; when the wind blows, its origin remains a mystery. Yet, we owe praise to God, for surely it would not blow unless commanded by Him who fashioned it.

Thus, we witness His works; we honor, marvel, and bless God. Let us also acknowledge His actions among humanity on behalf of His people. “Who struck the firstborn of Egypt?” (Psalm 134:8). The recounting of these divine interventions brings encouragement. Even in divine anger, He accomplishes His will from man to beast. Signs and wonders were placed upon Egypt (Psalm 134:9); you have read of what the hand of the Lord executed through Moses against proud Egypt, striking down its firstborn and condemning the proud Pharaoh and his followers. Yet, what became of His people afterward? He defeated several nations (Psalm 134:10), acquired the land appointed for His people, and brought down kings of might: Sihon, the Amorite king, Og of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan (Psalm 134:11). The accounts in this Psalm are also corroborated in other scriptures, illustrating the might of the Lord’s hand. When witnessing what has befallen the wicked, let us take heed to avoid similar fates. The indictment of a wicked man’s fate should urge the righteous to purge themselves from iniquity lest they succumb to the same judgment.

What did the Lord do? He expelled the wicked and bequeathed their land as an inheritance to Israel, His servant (Psalm 133:12). Following this, a resounding declaration of His praise arises: "Your name, O Lord, is forever" (Psalm 134:13). In all that has transpired, what do I behold in Your creation? I see the heavens and this terrestrial realm, and I observe Your bountiful gifts of clouds, winds, and rain. I honor Your chosen people; You liberated them from bondage and performed marvels against their adversaries. You exacted retribution upon those who caused them distress, driving the wicked from their land, annihilating their kings, and granting their territory to Your people. Witnessing these deeds brings forth joy, and thus I proclaim, "O Lord, Your Name endures forever."

The Lord’s works were accomplished through the body during the Exodus of our forebears from Egypt, and now He continues His work in the spirit. His mighty hand persists without ceasing. Let us not assume that these great acts of God were confined to that time. "Your name, O Lord, is eternal," for His mercy is non-stop, and His hand continues to fulfill all that He has declared through the ages. These accounts serve to instruct us, for the end of the ages has indeed arrived (1 Corinthians 10:11). It is a chain of generations; through baptism, we are transformed, resurrected from death to eternal communion with the angels. The Lord’s remembrance surpasses all generations; indeed, He will not forget to call forth and crown us.

The Lord has judged His people and shall be acknowledged among His servants (Psalm 133:14). His people have faced judgment, with the righteous taken and the wicked left. If there is doubt about this judgment, consider the words of the Lord: "I have come for judgment into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind" (John 9:39). The arrogant find themselves blind, while the humble are illuminated. Thus, the Lord pronounced judgment upon His people, as Isaiah foretold: "Now, O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord" (Isaiah 2:5). This is significant, for it is stated that He rejected His people, the house of Israel. The house of Jacob refers to Israel, for Jacob is also known as Israel. Consequently, God renders judgment upon His people, distinguishing the righteous from the wicked, and He shall be recognized among His servants—by whom? By the Gentiles. Consider the multitude of nations drawn to faith! How many have arrived from barren lands? They come by the countless number, drawn by the desire to know the glory of God. Beloved brethren, let us marvel at such declarations from those once isolated and unknown. They arrive from obscurity, awakened by an unseen influence. How so? As it is said, "No one comes to Me except the Father draws him" (John 6:44). They emerge from the depths of the earth, the wilderness, and lofty mountains into the Church, speaking the language of truth imparted by God. The prophecy is fulfilled that "all shall be taught of God" (Isaiah 54:13). To them we ask, “What do you seek?” They all respond: "To see the glory of God" (John 6:45). For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). They come to believe, desiring the appointment of clergy among them. Has this not been fulfilled? Indeed, will He not be recognized among His servants?

Lastly, amidst this arrangement and divine plan, the Spirit of God addresses the scorn directed at idols, mockery that now also descends upon their worshippers. "The idols of the nations are silver and gold" (Psalm 134:15). If God, the Creator of heaven and earth, designed all in accordance with His will, what merit or reverence can be ascribed to that which humanity crafts? Did He convey disdain for idols to provoke our contempt? Not just stones and wood or clay objects, but the very silver and gold treasures—does it not glimmer? Indeed, it glistens, yet they are mere creations. Idolaters create forms with mouths that cannot speak, eyes that fail to see (Psalm 134:16). They possess ears that are deaf and breaths that are absent in their mouths (Psalm 134:17). The artisans are able to fashion eyes, ears, noses, mouths, hands, and feet from their materials, but cannot imbue these with the power to hear, see, speak, smell, or move.

And you, man, surely find humor in your own creations if you realize who formed you. For those unaware, a warning is issued: "All who make them, and those who rely on them, are like them” (Psalm 133:18). There is a reflection in humanity, not of visible likeness but in the heart's disposition—those with ears, failing to hear. God calls out, “Let him who has ears to hear, listen!” (Matthew 11:15). They may have the physical attributes but lack spiritual perception. This prophecy is now fulfilled universally; is it not the case? Their senses become dulled, their nostrils cannot detect good aromas. We embody the pleasing aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15), as the apostle conveys universally. What significance do they have if their nostrils are incapable of sensing such delightful fragrance? It is evident this has occurred to them as predicted: "All who make them..."

In the oceans and throughout all the depths, He mentions this because the earth is enveloped by waters above, from which He draws up the clouds. This illustrates the divine authority to blend together blazing lightning and water. You bring forth the winds from Your riches. By referring to ‘riches,’ He indicates the mystery of the wind's nature that eludes human understanding. This parallels the words of the Lord: ‘the spirit, wherever it wants, breathes, and you can hear its voice, but do not know where it comes from and where it goes’ (John 3:8).

The clouds are lifted from the farthest reaches of the earth, as the downward nature of water is elevated by the divine Word and sent forth in a manner that nourishes the parched ground. The Prophet indicates that this occurs from the outermost parts of the earth, for it consists of sea waters, with the depths of the ocean marking the earth's limits. Lightning accompanies the rain, as the flashes signify the impending downpour, showcasing a remarkable miracle; for the lightning fire, coursing through the waters, neither raises their temperature nor extinguishes itself. When the Prophet declares to “Cast out the winds from thy treasures,” he does not refer to any physical origin.

The Lord, in His providential care, causes clouds to form from the very depths of the earth. He elevates these clouds into the atmosphere, allowing them to hold their natural weight, until the moisture they contain becomes heavy enough to descend as rain when the clouds thicken. Indeed, He speaks of raising them from the most remote regions of the earth, highlighting that they are composed of the waters of the sea, with the edges of the land defined by the ocean's depths. The seas encompass the land, hence it is written, "He that foundeth the earth upon the waters." This truth is also reflected in the account of Job: "He that bindeth the water in the clouds" (Job 26:8). St.

In these reflections, examples of the incredible works performed by God, at His discretion, are provided. These manifestations occur in the skies, on the land, and within the waters and winds. God performs miraculous acts through angels, in the highest realms of heaven, and even in the depths of the abyss; however, since we lack knowledge of many of these phenomena, the Prophet illustrates God's wonders through examples observable in the atmosphere, on the earth, and in the waters—elements visible to our senses, despite our ignorance of their underlying causes.

This intricate psalm, comparable to other scriptural texts (see v. 7 with Jeremiah 10:13 and 51:16, v. 14 with Deuteronomy 32:36, and vv. 15-20 with Psalms 113 and following), is set in the period following the Tribulation. If verse 14 is interpreted to reflect the contemporary oppression faced by the Israelites, it could relate to the time of the Samaritan incursions against Israel. The psalm calls upon the Israelites, recognized as the servants of the Lord (v. 1), along with the priests and Levites positioned in the temple (see vv. 19 and 20), and the congregation gathered in the courts, to exalt the Lord. He is good and gracious (v. 3), demonstrating His mercy through the choice of Israel (v. 4); He reigns supreme over all deities (v. 4). He stands unmatched above all forces (v.

In this psalm, the prophet urges all people to engage in solemn worship of God due to His immense blessings bestowed upon the descendants of Israel. He has led them away from the shadows of idol worship and towards the true illumination found in the hearts of the faithful, revealing His divine majesty through Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). This captures the essence of halleluia; in Hebrew, it signifies praise, with Jah being another name for the Lord. Recognizing that God's essence is unseen, the prophet calls for the exaltation of God's name. The Rabbi of Christ the Lord invites those who sincerely believe in Him, who are known by His name, and who follow His commandments, to join in this praise.