Summary of Psalm 135:3

This verse calls for believers to engage in worship and praise directed towards the Lord. It highlights the nature of God as good and emphasizes the act of singing praises as a joyful response to His goodness. The verse encapsulates the inherent pleasure found in worshipping God, which is an overarching theme found throughout the Psalms.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary

  Matthew Henry emphasizes that the call to praise is grounded in the character of God Himself. He elaborates on God's goodness and how this goodness is not merely a concept but is experienced through His actions and faithfulness to His people. Henry indicates that praising God is both a duty and a delight.

• Albert Barnes’ Notes

  Barnes focuses on the imperative nature of praising the Lord, pointing out that such praise is a natural response to recognizing God's attributes. He defines ‘good’ as relative to God's nature, implying that all goodness derives from Him. Praise is thus an acknowledgment of His divine benevolence.

• Adam Clarke’s Commentary

  Clarke provides insights into the social and communal aspect of worship. He notes that singing praises is not just to be practiced individually but should foster community among believers. Clarke suggests that this shared worship strengthens the collective faith of God's people.

Related Bible Verses and Cross-References

Psalms 135:3 connects with several other Bible verses that reinforce the themes of praise and the goodness of God. Here are some key cross-references:

• Psalms 100:4 - "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
• Psalms 34:1 - "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
• 1 Chronicles 16:34 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever."
• Psalms 147:1 - "Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely."
• Psalms 118:1 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever."
• Psalms 103:1-2 - "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
• Isaiah 12:5 - "Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth."

Thematic Connections

Psalms 135:3 contributes to a larger narrative within the Bible concerning worship and praise. Several inter-biblical dialogues emerge through an analysis of these themes:

• Goodness of God: The essence of God’s goodness is echoed in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly in verses like Matthew 7:11, which expresses trust in God’s benevolence.
• The Nature of Worship: The act of praising God as a communal experience links to teachings in the New Testament, as seen in Hebrews 2:12, which reinforces the necessity of worship in fellowship.
• Singular Focus of Praise: Connections can be seen in Colossians 3:16, where believers are encouraged to sing praises to God and be filled with His wisdom through the teaching of His word.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For those studying the themes presented in Psalms 135:3, utilizing tools for Bible cross-referencing can provide deeper insights:

• Bible Concordance: Great for finding verses related to keywords such as "praise" and "goodness."
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Helps identify relationships and connections between verses.
• Bible Reference Resources: Essential for thematic studies on worship and God's attributes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Psalms 135:3 serves as a powerful reminder of the goodness of God and the joy of worship. By understanding this verse in the light of various commentaries and related biblical texts, believers can deepen their appreciation for the call to praise, recognising that worship is an essential part of the Christian life that resonates throughout scripture.