Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD, who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The threefold call to "praise" isn't just emphasizing the action, but pointing us to the whole of God's being and work. It urges us to praise Him not only as our Lord, but for His divine nature, His very essence, and as revealed in His name.
Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD, who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with a resounding call to worship, specifically directed at those who serve God, inviting them to praise His very name and essence. It echoes the opening of Psalm 113, broadening the scope to include all who stand within God's presence, whether priests in the inner sanctuary or the people in the outer courts, because of His goodness and His choice of them as His special people.
Why does the verse repeat 'Praise the LORD' three times? What's the significance of this emphasis?
This opening verse of Psalm 135 isn't just a casual suggestion to sing; it's a powerful, threefold command.
A Divine Imperative
The word 'Praise' (Hallelujah in Hebrew) is a command, an urgent call to action. It's repeated three times here, creating a powerful echo that reverberates through the psalm. This isn't merely a suggestion; it's a directive from God Himself.
Praising the Name and the Person
The verse moves from 'Praise the LORD' to 'Praise the name of the LORD.' This isn't redundant. Praising the 'Name' means praising God for who He is – His character, His attributes, His very essence (His being, holiness, goodness, truth, as some scholars note). It's a call to recognize and celebrate His revealed nature.
A Call to His Servants
Finally, the call is directed to 'O servants of the LORD.' This highlights that praise is the distinctive duty and privilege of those who belong to Him. Whether priests, Levites, or all God's people who stand in His presence, this call is for those set apart by Him.
The psalm quickly moves to why we should praise. What foundational reason does it give for God's people to offer Him adoration?
The call to praise isn't just a random command; it's rooted in God's deliberate choice of His people.
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The Basis of Relationship
This psalm, and others like it, point to God's sovereign act of choosing Jacob (Israel) to be His own possession. This wasn't because of Israel's merit, but entirely due to God's free mercy and covenant faithfulness.
Election as a Call to Worship
Being chosen isn't just a status; it's a calling. God set Israel apart not for their own glory, but so that they might become 'a name and a praise' to Him. Our selection by God, and our inclusion in His covenant family through Christ, is a profound reason for worship.
Gratitude for a Distinct Favor
To be chosen by God, while the rest of the world remains separated from Him, is an immense blessing. This distinguishing favor demands a response of deep gratitude and heartfelt praise.
Understand the original words
halal · Hebrew Verb
A command to express admiration, adoration, and worship toward God for His character and works. It implies an outward manifestation of inner reverence.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses (YHWH). It signifies His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His covenant people.
shem · Hebrew Noun
In biblical usage, a name represents the person's character, reputation, authority, and nature. To praise the name is to praise the person of God as He has revealed Himself.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Refers to those who serve God, often used of priests, Levites, or the faithful people of God who live in submission and devotion to Him.
bayith · Hebrew Noun
The physical sanctuary or the place where God’s presence dwells among His people. It signifies the place of intimate fellowship and worship.
hatser · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the surrounding areas of the sanctuary where the people gathered for worship. It symbolizes access to the presence of God.
This passage is almost identical, highlighting the repeated call to 'Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD!' and emphasizing the significance of this particular phrase as an opening or recurring theme.
Psalm 103:1This verse echoes the sentiment of 'Bless the LORD, O my soul,' reminding us that praise isn't just a corporate act but a personal, heartfelt response to God's goodness.
Exodus 33:19God declares, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name,' connecting the 'name of the LORD' to His character and goodness, which are the very essence of what we are called to praise.
John 17:6Jesus prays, 'I have manifested your name to the people,' showing how praising God's name is intimately linked to revealing His identity and character to the world, a mission given to His servants.
Nehemiah 9:5The Levites lead the people in praise, 'Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise,' demonstrating the communal and elevated nature of praising God's glorious name.
clarkePsalms 135:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD."
Praise ye the Lord - This may be considered as the title, for it has none other. Praise ye the name of the Lord - Perhaps the original הללו את שם יהוה haleu eth shem Yehovah, should be translated, Praise ye the name Jehovah; that is, Praise God in his infinite essence of being, holiness, goodness, and truth.
pulpitPsalms 135:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD."
Verse 1. - Praise ye the Lord (comp. Psalm 104:35; Psalm 105:45; Psalm 106:1, 48; Psalm 111:1; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 113:1, etc.). Praise ye the Name of the Lord (comp. Psalm 113:1). Praise him, O ye servants of the Lord; rather, praise it; i.e. the Name.
The threefold call to "praise" isn't just emphasizing the action, but pointing us to the whole of God's being and work. It urges us to praise Him not only as our Lord, but for His divine nature, His very essence, and as revealed in His name.
This psalm opens with a resounding call to worship, specifically directed at those who serve God, inviting them to praise His very name and essence. It echoes the opening of Psalm 113, broadening the scope to include all who stand within God's presence, whether priests in the inner sanctuary or the people in the outer courts, because of His goodness and His choice of them as His special people.
This psalm opens with a resounding call to worship, specifically directed at those who serve God, inviting them to praise His very name and essence. It echoes the opening of Psalm 113, broadening the scope to include all who stand within God's presence, whether priests in the inner sanctuary or the people in the outer courts, because of His goodness and His choice of them as His special people.
"Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD, who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God!" — The threefold call to "praise" isn't just emphasizing the action, but pointing us to the whole of God's being and work. It urges us to praise Him not only as our Lord, but for His divine nature, Hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026