Psalms 134:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 134:2
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
Chapter Context
Psalms 134 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, judgment, wisdom. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-3: Introduction and setting the context
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 134:2
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 26:6, Lamentations 2:19
- Blessing: Psalms 63:4
- Temple: Psalms 63:2
- Parallel theme: Psalms 28:2, 141:2, Lamentations 3:41, 1 Timothy 2:8