Meaning of Psalms 135:5

This verse from Psalm 135:5 is a powerful declaration of the incomparable sovereignty and greatness of the God of Israel, particularly in contrast to the numerous deities worshipped by surrounding nations. The psalmist, speaking on behalf of the community, asserts a profound knowledge and conviction regarding the LORD's supreme authority, not merely as a powerful deity, but as one utterly transcendent and superior to all other so-called gods. This is not a statement of comparative ranking among divine beings, but a fundamental affirmation of monotheistic truth: the LORD is uniquely and absolutely great, and all other divine claims are rendered insignificant and false in His presence.

Context and Background

Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise, likely used in temple worship, that recounts God's mighty acts for Israel. It emphasizes God's power in creation (vv. 6-7) and His redemptive work in history, particularly the Exodus from Egypt and the conquest of Canaan (vv. 8-14). The psalmist is addressing a community that has witnessed and experienced these divine interventions, reinforcing their faith and understanding of their God. The surrounding ancient Near Eastern world was polytheistic, with each nation or city often having its own patron deity, and a pantheon of other gods influencing various aspects of life. This verse directly confronts such beliefs by asserting the singular supremacy of the LORD.

Key Themes and Messages

• Monotheistic Supremacy: The central theme is the absolute uniqueness and superiority of the LORD. He is not just a god, but the God, whose greatness dwarfs all others.
• Knowledge and Conviction: The phrase "I know" signifies more than intellectual assent; it represents a deep, experiential understanding and unwavering conviction born from faith and observation of God's actions.
• Contrast with Idolatry: The verse implicitly critiques idolatry by contrasting the living, powerful LORD with the lifeless, powerless idols of other nations.
• Divine Authority: The concept of "all gods" encompasses not only the deities of neighboring peoples but also any force or power that might be elevated to a position of ultimate authority, challenging God's rightful dominion.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Psalm 135:5 serves as a vital reminder to anchor their faith in the one true God. It calls for a discerning spirit, to recognize and reject any competing allegiances or idols that might subtly or overtly vie for our ultimate devotion—whether they be material possessions, power, reputation, or even ideologies that exalt themselves above God. The verse encourages a confident assurance in God's unfailing power and authority, providing a foundation for trust and worship, especially during times of doubt or when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It calls us to know, not just theoretically, but experientially, the greatness of God in our own lives.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This declaration is foundational to the entire biblical narrative, from the Abrahamic covenant to the New Testament. The Old Testament consistently emphasizes God's singular nature and His unique relationship with Israel, portraying Him as the one true Creator and Redeemer in stark contrast to the pagan nations. The prophets frequently railed against idolatry, underscoring the very point made in Psalm 135:5. In the New Testament, this truth is amplified through the revelation of Jesus Christ, who is presented as God incarnate, the ultimate manifestation of God's greatness and the means by which all other powers are ultimately subject to Him (Philippians 2:9-11).

Analogies

One might compare the LORD's supremacy to the sun compared to all other celestial bodies. While stars are immense and distant, the sun is the center of our solar system, providing light and life, and its brilliance overshadows all others in our immediate experience. Another analogy could be a king whose authority is absolute within his kingdom, rendering the decrees of minor lords or regional governors insignificant in comparison. The LORD's greatness is not merely a matter of scale but of fundamental being and dominion.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 18:11: "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because in this very thing they dealt proudly." This verse from the context of Jethro's encounter with Moses demonstrates an early recognition of the LORD's supremacy through His deliverance of Israel.
• Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This foundational Shema passage directly undergirds the monotheistic assertion of Psalm 135:5, emphasizing the singularity of God.
• Isaiah 44:24: "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and he who formed you from the womb: 'I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.'" This prophetic passage reinforces the LORD's exclusive role as Creator, a key aspect of His incomparable greatness.
• 1 Corinthians 8:4-6: "Therefore concerning the eating of food offered to idols, we know that 'an idol has no real existence in the world,' and that 'there is no God but one.' For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as there are many gods and many lords—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we exist." This New Testament passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 135:5, articulating the Christian understanding of one God in contrast to the myriad of perceived divine powers.