For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession.
The Psalmist calls on all God's servants, whether those who stand in the temple itself or in its courts, to praise His name, not as a vague sentiment, but as praise of God in His actual infinite essence: His being, holiness, goodness, and truth. We praise what He truly is.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 135:1-21
For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself. Jehovah hath chosen Jacob. Should not the sons of Jacob praise him who has so singularly favoured them Election is one of the most forcible arguments for adoring love. Chosen! chosen unto himself!—who can be grateful enough for being concerned in this privilege "Jacob have I loved", said Jehovah, and he gave no reason for his love...
Praise Him for what He is in Himself, not only for what He has done for you; those admitted to His house have most reason to praise, for there they behold His beauty and taste His bounty. The work itself is its own reward: praising God is a heaven upon earth, and will quite put your mouth out of taste for the pleasures of sin.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 135:1-4