Psalms 134:2
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
שְׂאֽוּ
Lift up
H5375
שְׂאֽוּ
Lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 6
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
יְדֵכֶ֥ם
your hands
H3027
יְדֵכֶ֥ם
your hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
קֹ֑דֶשׁ
in the sanctuary
H6944
קֹ֑דֶשׁ
in the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
3 of 6
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וּ֝בָרֲכוּ
and bless
H1288
וּ֝בָרֲכוּ
and bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
4 of 6
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
Cross References
Psalms 28:2Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.1 Timothy 2:8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.Psalms 141:2Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.Psalms 63:4Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.Lamentations 2:19Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.Psalms 63:2To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.Lamentations 3:41Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.Psalms 26:6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
Historical Context
Lifted hands was common biblical worship posture (Exodus 17:11; 1 Kings 8:22, 38, 54; Ezra 9:5; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; 141:2). The sanctuary/temple was where God's presence dwelt and where proper worship occurred. While synagogue worship developed later, temple worship included specific rituals, locations, and postures. The physical dimension of worship engages human embodiment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the physical act of lifting hands contribute to worship?
- How does worshiping 'in the sanctuary' differ from private devotion?
- What is the relationship between inward attitude and outward posture in worship?
- How do Christians understand 'sanctuary' after the temple's destruction?
- What role does physical embodiment play in authentic worship?
Analysis & Commentary
The call specifies worship's form: 'Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.' The command 'lift up your hands' describes physical posture in prayer and worship. Raised hands expressed dependence, surrender, appeal, and praise (Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 141:2; 143:6; Lamentations 2:19; 1 Timothy 2:8). The location 'in the sanctuary' (qodesh) means the holy place, the temple/tabernacle - the designated place for encountering God's presence. Though believers can pray anywhere, there's special significance to corporate worship in God's appointed place. The repetition 'bless the LORD' reinforces the command from verse 1 - this is worship's essence. The combination of physical posture (lifted hands), proper location (sanctuary), and verbal praise (blessing) engages whole person in worship. This verse models that worship involves body, setting, and words.