Psalms 116:19
In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בְּחַצְר֤וֹת׀
In the courts
H2691
בְּחַצְר֤וֹת׀
In the courts
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
1 of 7
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
בֵּ֤ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֤ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּֽת֘וֹכֵ֤כִי
in the midst
H8432
בְּֽת֘וֹכֵ֤כִי
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
4 of 7
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם
of thee O Jerusalem
H3389
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם
of thee O Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 7
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
Historical Context
Jerusalem and its temple were central to Israelite identity and worship. Three annual festivals required pilgrimage there (Deuteronomy 16:16). After exile, rebuilding the temple was priority #1 (Ezra-Nehemiah). Jesus cleansed the temple courts, calling them "a house of prayer for all nations" (Mark 11:17).
Questions for Reflection
- How does corporate worship in a specific place with God's people matter, despite worship being ultimately spiritual?
- What would it look like to conclude your personal praises with inviting others to join ("Hallelujah")?
- How does Christ's body, the church, become the "temple" where vows are fulfilled today?
Analysis & Commentary
In the courts of the LORD's house (בְּחַצְרוֹת בֵּית יְהוָה, be-chatzrot beit YHWH)—Chatzer means court, courtyard; bayit means house. In the midst of thee, O Jerusalem (בְּתוֹכֵכִי יְרוּשָׁלִָם, be-tokeki Yerushalayim)—Tokh means midst, middle, center. Praise ye the LORD (הַלְלוּ־יָהּ, halelu-Yah)—This is "Hallelujah," meaning "praise Yah[weh]."
The vow-payment (v. 18) happens specifically in Jerusalem's temple courts—the geographic and spiritual center of Israel. This grounds worship in physical place and community. While Christians aren't bound to geographical Jerusalem (John 4:21-24), we gather corporately for worship (Hebrews 10:25). The psalm ends with "Hallelujah," inviting all to join the praise. Individual thanksgiving becomes communal worship.