Psalms 134

This is the last of the Songs of Ascents, sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. It is a short exchange: worshippers call the night-shift servants of the temple to praise the LORD, and a blessing comes back from Zion. Blessing goes up to God, and blessing comes down from God.

Psalms 134:1

The pilgrims call the temple servants, probably the priests and Levites keeping watch at night, to praise God. Their work goes on when no crowds are looking. The call reminds us that serving God in quiet, unseen hours is precious to Him.

BSA: bless (“praise, honor”): To bless the LORD is to speak well of Him and honor Him for who He is, not to give Him something He lacks. servants (“slaves, bondservants”): These people belong wholly to the LORD, and their service is their identity and not just a job.

Hebrew: הִנֵּה (hinnēh, H2009) — “behold, look, come.” The opening word is an attention-getter, like a shout to wake and rouse. It fits a call to those standing watch in the night.

See also: 1 Chronicles 9:33.

Psalms 134:2

Raised hands were a common sign of prayer and praise, a way of reaching toward God with empty hands. They lift them toward the sanctuary, the place where God had chosen to dwell among His people. Worship here is both bodily and spoken.

BSA: Lift up (“raise, extend”): The hands are held out openly, showing dependence and surrender to God. sanctuary (“holy place, set-apart area”): The place is set apart because God Himself is there, and that is what makes it holy.

See also: Psalm 28:2; 1 Timothy 2:8.

Psalms 134:3

The reply comes back, probably spoken by a priest to the worshipper. The One who made the whole universe is also the One who blesses His people personally. The blessing comes from Zion, where He had promised to meet them. His greatness and His nearness are joined together.

BSA: Maker (“he who made, creates”): The God who blesses is the Creator, so His blessing is backed by unlimited power.

See also: Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 121:2.