Psalms 134:3
The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
Original Language Analysis
יְבָרֶכְךָ֣
bless
H1288
יְבָרֶכְךָ֣
bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 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
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִצִּיּ֑וֹן
thee out of Zion
H6726
מִצִּיּ֑וֹן
thee out of Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
3 of 6
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
עֹ֝שֵׂ֗ה
that made
H6213
עֹ֝שֵׂ֗ה
that made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Psalms 128:5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.Psalms 124:8Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.Romans 11:26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:Psalms 135:21Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.Psalms 110:2The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.Psalms 14:7Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.Psalms 20:2Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Historical Context
This follows pattern of Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) where priests pronounced divine favor on people. The connection between Zion (God's dwelling) and blessing reflects covenant theology - blessing flows from God's presence among His people. As pilgrims returned home from festivals, this benediction assured them God's blessing accompanied them despite geographic distance from temple.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's identity as Creator provide foundation for confidence in His blessing?
- What is the relationship between blessing the LORD (vv. 1-2) and receiving blessing (v. 3)?
- Why does blessing come 'out of Zion' - what does location signify?
- How do Christians experience blessing 'out of Zion' today?
- In what ways does this benediction send worshipers out with confidence and hope?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with priestly blessing: 'The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.' This verse shifts from imperative (vv. 1-2: you bless the LORD) to petition/promise (may the LORD bless you). The description 'LORD that made heaven and earth' emphasizes God's comprehensive creative power and authority - the Creator of all blesses His people. This title appears repeatedly in Psalms (115:15; 121:2; 124:8; 146:6), especially in blessings. The phrase 'bless thee out of Zion' indicates blessing flows from God's dwelling place. 'Out of' (min) suggests Zion is source from which blessing emanates. The shift to singular 'thee' may address each individual pilgrim departing Jerusalem or may function as collective singular (each representing all). This benediction sends worshipers out with confidence that the Creator-God who dwells in Zion will bless them. Proper worship (blessing the LORD) results in received blessing (LORD blesses His people).