Psalms 135:20
Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בֵּ֣ית
O house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
O house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
1 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
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
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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
Levites received no territorial inheritance but were distributed throughout Israel as teachers and worship leaders. Their temple duties evolved over time, particularly after David organized them into divisions for music and service (1 Chronicles 23-26). The phrase 'those who fear the LORD' in similar contexts (Psalm 115:11, 13) may include non-Israelites who worshiped Yahweh.
Questions for Reflection
- What characterizes those who truly "fear the LORD"?
- How does reverent fear lead to joyful blessing?
Analysis & Commentary
The antiphonal pattern expands: 'Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.' The Levites, descendants of Jacob's third son, served temple functions distinct from Aaronic priests - they were musicians, gatekeepers, teachers, and assistants. Their inclusion ensures no worship servant is overlooked. Most significantly, 'ye that fear the LORD' extends beyond ethnic Israel to include all who reverence Yahweh. This phrase may indicate proselytes or God-fearers - Gentiles drawn to Israel's God. If so, the psalm anticipates the expansion of worship beyond ethnic boundaries. The 'fear of the LORD' (yir'at Yahweh) represents the fundamental disposition of true religion: reverent awe before the Holy One. This fourfold call (Israel, Aaron, Levi, God-fearers) creates a crescendo of praise encompassing all who worship the true God, prefiguring the universal church.