Psalms134
English Standard Version
1A of . , the Lord, you of the Lord, who by in the of the Lord!
2 your to the and the Lord!
3May the Lord you from , he who and !
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 134.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: An exhortation to bless the Lord. (1-3).
vv1-3
We must stir up ourselves to give glory to God, and encourage ourselves to hope for mercy and grace from him. It is an excellent plan to fill up all our spare minutes with pious meditations, and prayers and praises. No time would then be a burden, nor should we murder our hours by trifling conversation and vain amusements, or by carnal indulgences. We need desire no more to make us happy, than to be blessed of the Lord. We ought to beg spiritual blessings, not only for ourselves, but for others; not only, The Lord bless me, but, The Lord bless thee; thus testifying our belief that there is enough for others as well as for us, and showing our good will to others.
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
הִנֵּה: lo!
בָרַךְ: to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason)
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֶבֶד: a servant
עָמַד: to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לַיִל: properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity
בַּיִת: a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
נָשָׂא: to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Cross References
Psalms 134The priestly blessing pattern ('The Lord bless thee') prescribed in the Mosaic law.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Verbatim verbal link urging the 'servants of the Lord' to praise Him in his house.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The Pentateuchal charge for priests to keep watch in the tabernacle day and night.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Levitical singers who were employed in that work day and night.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
New Testament parallel exhorting believers to lift up holy hands in prayer.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Lifting hands toward the oracle or sanctuary as a gesture of prayer.
Supported by JFB
Identical description of the Lord as the Creator who 'made heaven and earth.'
Anna's temple service serving God with prayers night and day.
Supported by John Calvin
Parallel blessing from the Lord coming specifically 'out of Zion.'
The Aaronite charge to tend the sanctuary lamps from evening to morning.
Supported by Matthew Poole