Psalms 135:2

Authorized King James Version

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Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,

Original Language Analysis

שֶׁ֣֭עֹֽמְדִים Ye that stand H5975
שֶׁ֣֭עֹֽמְדִים Ye that stand
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 1 of 6
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
בֵּ֣ית in the house H1004
בֵּ֣ית in the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 2 of 6
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּ֝חַצְר֗וֹת in the courts H2691
בְּ֝חַצְר֗וֹת in the courts
Strong's: H2691
Word #: 4 of 6
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
בֵּ֣ית in the house H1004
בֵּ֣ית in the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 5 of 6
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ of our God H430
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ of our God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis & Commentary

The audience is further specified: 'Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.' The phrase 'ye that stand' indicates those present for worship - standing suggesting readiness, attentiveness, and service. The location 'in the house of the LORD' refers to temple where God's presence dwelt. The parallel 'in the courts of the house of our God' specifies the temple's outer areas where worshipers gathered. Temple had multiple courts (priests' court, Israel's court, women's court, Gentiles' court), accommodating various worshipers. The possessive 'our God' emphasizes covenant relationship - this is not a foreign deity but the God bound to His people. This verse grounds worship in specific place (temple) and relationship (our God), demonstrating that biblical worship isn't abstract but concrete, covenantal, and corporate.

Historical Context

Temple worship was organized around courts with increasing levels of holiness. Only priests entered the holy place, but all Israelites could gather in various courts. The mention of 'standing' echoes Psalm 134:1 and reflects temple worship practices. The psalm's emphasis on physical location reflects Old Testament worship centered on tabernacle/temple as God's dwelling place.

Questions for Reflection