Psalms 135:19
Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
Original Language Analysis
בֵּ֥ית
O house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
O house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
1 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל
of Israel
H3478
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
Bless
H1288
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
Bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
3 of 10
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 #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּ֥ית
O house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
O house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
Bless
H1288
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
Bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
8 of 10
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
Historical Context
Temple worship involved antiphonal responses between priests, Levites, and the gathered congregation. The distinction between 'house of Israel' and 'house of Aaron' reflects Israel's organized worship structure established at Sinai. Priests served specific liturgical functions, but all Israel participated in worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for different groups to unite in blessing the LORD?
- How can the whole church join together in praise?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm moves toward conclusion with antiphonal calls to blessing: 'Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron.' The Hebrew 'barakh' (bless) when directed toward God means to praise, adore, and acknowledge His greatness - the opposite of cursing. 'House of Israel' encompasses the entire covenant nation; 'house of Aaron' specifies the priestly family. This structured address mirrors temple liturgy where different groups responded in worship. The priests who ministered daily before the Lord are summoned alongside the people they served. Both are needed; neither is sufficient alone. The contrast with idol worshipers is implicit: rather than becoming like dead idols, Israel blesses the living God and receives blessing in return. The responsive, communal nature of this call reminds us that worship is corporate activity, not merely private devotion.