Bible Commentaries
Psalms 134

Verses 1-3

Psalms 134

A Benediction Psalm

Scripture v. 1-3:

Verse 1 calls on the "servants of the Lord," the priests, who ministered sacrifices and offered blessings of praise and thanksgiving to God, to go do it on behalf of all Israel; They are described as "which by night (to the time of evening sacrifice) stand in the house of the Lord." They did not stay up all night but served Through the evening sacrifice, here referred to, Psalms 92:2. Though watches were kept in the temple by night, neither the priests not Levite singers engaged in all night services, 1 Chronicles 9:33; See also Leviticus 8:35; Psalms 130:6; Luke 2:37; Revelation 7:15.

Verse 2 exhorts "lift up your hands in the sanctuary (in holiness), and bless the lord," or offer prayer, praise, gratitude, thanksgiving, and intercession to Him for all Israel. The lifting of the hands in gesture signified the lifting of the heart or affections to God on high, in earnest prayer or praise, Psalms 28:2; Psalms 141:2; La 2:19; 3:41; 1 Timothy 2:8.

Verse 3 concludes with a psalmist benediction upon the priestly servants of God, "The Lord that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Zion," in return for their blessing or praising the Lord in intercession of the people of Israel; God has all power and universal reasons to bless His people, an occasion and just ground for them to do so, Psalms 124:8; Psalms 128:5. See also Numbers 6:24; Psalms 121:2; The Lord bless you in return for your blessing Him, v. 1,2. This is the last of the Psalms of degrees.