Psalms 135:5
For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
Psalms 135:5 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise that exalts the greatness and sovereignty of God. It stresses that the Lord is superior to all other gods, and it calls Israel to worship Him alone. The psalmist speaks from certainty, not mere opinion, grounding his confession in God’s character and mighty acts.
Meaning
The psalmist speaks from personal knowledge and assurance. He says, “For I know that the Lord is great.” This is not a mere opinion or a hope; it is a confident confession based on experience and trust in God’s character and mighty acts. The word “great” points to God’s majesty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and excellency, surpassing all human comprehension. It means that no one and nothing can compare to Him or rival Him.
The phrase “our Lord is above all gods” does not mean that other gods are real. It means that every idol or false deity that people worship is far below the true God. The psalmist uses “our Lord,” showing a personal and covenantal relationship. This great God is the God of His people, and He alone deserves worship and reverence. The term “our Lord” (Adon) emphasizes that this supreme God is not distant but intimately connected to His people.
Biblical connections
Psalm 95:3 reinforces this truth by declaring that the Lord is a great King above all gods, and Psalm 147:5 adds that His understanding is infinite. These passages together remind us that God’s power is unlimited and His wisdom is beyond our full understanding. They echo the same theme of God’s supremacy over every rival power.
Application
This verse calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty over every situation. It also warns us against modern idols, such as possessions, status, or self, that compete for our devotion. When we face challenges, we can find confidence and security in knowing that our God is greater than any problem or difficulty. This confident knowledge leads to a life of praise and obedience.
We can worship God with confidence because He is truly great.
We can reject every false god and give our hearts only to Him.
We can rely on God’s power in times of need, knowing He is above all.
Reflection
Do we know God’s greatness personally, or only from what others say? The psalmist’s confession invites us to deepen our own knowledge of God through His Word, His works, and prayer. As we grow in this knowledge, our praise becomes more genuine, and our trust in Him becomes stronger. This confident knowledge is not distant; it is a living trust that shapes how we live each day, leading us to praise and obedience.
