Psalms 134:1
Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בָּרֲכ֣וּ
Behold bless
H1288
בָּרֲכ֣וּ
Behold bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
2 of 11
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָעֹמְדִ֥ים
stand
H5975
הָעֹמְדִ֥ים
stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
8 of 11
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
בְּבֵית
in the house
H1004
בְּבֵית
in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:33And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night.Psalms 120:1In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.Leviticus 8:35Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the LORD, that ye die not: for so I am commanded.2 Chronicles 29:11My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.Revelation 19:5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.Psalms 121:1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.Psalms 122:1I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.Luke 2:37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.Psalms 132:1LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:Psalms 133:1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Historical Context
The temple maintained 24-hour worship with rotating divisions of priests and Levites (1 Chronicles 9:33; 23:30; 25:1-31). Night watches were organized periods of vigilance and worship. As pilgrims departed Jerusalem after festivals, this psalm encouraged continued faithfulness. The Songs of Ascents (120-134) formed collection used during pilgrimage and provided vocabulary for ongoing spiritual journey.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for people to 'bless the LORD' - how do we bless God?
- Why is night worship specifically mentioned - what does darkness symbolize?
- How does 'standing' in God's house suggest both readiness and perseverance?
- What does continuous worship (night and day) reveal about God's worthiness and our dependence?
- How can believers maintain blessing the LORD through 'night' seasons of difficulty?
Analysis & Commentary
The final Ascents psalm opens with call to worship: 'Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.' The word 'behold' calls attention to what follows. The imperative 'bless ye the LORD' commands worship - not God blessing people but people blessing God, meaning to praise, honor, exalt. The audience 'all ye servants of the LORD' includes all who serve God, particularly temple personnel. The specific group 'which by night stand in the house of the LORD' likely refers to priests/Levites who maintained night watch in temple (1 Chronicles 9:33; Psalm 135:2). 'Stand' suggests both physical posture and readiness for service. This brief psalm functions as benediction for the Ascents collection, calling worshipers to maintain praise even through night, symbolizing both literal night watches and difficult seasons. Continuous worship characterizes God's people.