“They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.”
They have ears, but do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. This verse continues the catalog of idols' sensory incapacity, adding hearing to sight and speech. The absence of breath in their mouths emphasizes their lifelessness; whereas living beings breathe, idols are dead objects incapable of the most basic vital function. The accumulation of negations (do not speak, do not see, do not hear, no breath) creates a rhythmic insistence on idols' total incapacity and meaninglessness. This verse emphasizes that idols are inferior to animals (who at least possess life and sensation) and vastly inferior to God (who possesses all knowledge and consciousness infinitely). The mockery of idolatry through this catalog suggests that those who worship such objects are themselves foolish and degraded.
Church Fathers on Psalms 135:17
1. Very pleasant ought it be to us, and we should rejoice because it is pleasant, to which this Psalm exhorts us. For it says, “Praise the name of the Lord” Psalm 134:1. And it immediately appends the reason, why it is just to praise the name of the Lord. “Praise the Lord, you servants.” What more just? What more worthy? What more thankful?...For if He teaches His own servants who have deserved well of Him, the preachers of His Word, the rulers of His Church, the worshippers…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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