Psalms – Chapter 135

Old Testament • 27 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 135 opens with the words: "Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Pharaoh stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 27 verses, two threads run through the text: God's mercy and forgiveness and worship and praise. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2Praise ye the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

3Praise ye the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4Who alone doth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5Who made the heavens in understanding: for his mercy endureth for ever.

6Who established the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

7Who made the great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever.

8The sun to rule the day: for his mercy endureth for ever.

9The moon and the stars to rule the night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

10Who smote Egypt with their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever.

11Who brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever.

12With a mighty hand and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

13Who divided the Red Sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever.

14And brought out Israel through the midst thereof: for his mercy endureth for ever.

15And overthrew Pharao and his host in the Red Sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

16Who led his people through the desert: for his mercy endureth for ever.

17Who smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.

18And slew strong kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.

19Sehon king of the Amorrhites: for his mercy endureth for ever.

20And Og king of Basan: for his mercy endureth for ever.

21And he gave their land for an inheritance: for his mercy endureth for ever.

22For an inheritance to his servant Israel: for his mercy endureth for ever.

23For he was mindful of us in our affliction: for his mercy endureth for ever.

24And he redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

26Give glory to the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

27Give glory to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 135

“Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 135:1

“Who made the heavens in understanding: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 135:5

“The sun to rule the day: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 135:8

“Give glory to the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 135:26

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 135 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 27 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Pharaoh appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." It concludes: "Give glory to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." The passage repeatedly touches on God's mercy and forgiveness.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 135 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Thomas Aquinas and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 302).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Pharaoh1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 135, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 135 supports that call by drawing attention to redemptive suffering united to the Cross within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

As you continue through Psalms, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 135 about?

Psalms 135 contains 27 verses. It opens with "Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." and closes with "Give glory to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 135?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Alleluia. Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 135?

This chapter mentions Pharaoh.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Exodus 11Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 3Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Kings 17Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Divine Mercy Chaplet🙏Act of Contrition🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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