Bible Study:What does Psalm chapter 134 mean?
Chapter Context
This is the last of the songs "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134). These were connected with pilgrimage to Jerusalem for annual festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Another name for the city was Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). Jerusalem was situated on a series of hills; one would "ascend" to get there from other regions. The "servants" here are the Levites who tended the temple (Numbers 1:50), and the temple itself is the "house of the LORD" (1 Kings 6:1).
What does Psalm chapter 134 mean?
The last of the songs "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134) forms an appropriate end to the section.
The psalmist begins by calling on the servants of the Lord to praise Him at all times. These "servants" are the Levites, including the priests (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 26:59), who were charged with caring for the tabernacle and temple (Numbers 1:50; Leviticus 8:35). The "house of the L
ORD" is the temple originally built (1 Kings 6:1) by Solomon (Psalm 134:1).
As these servants are called to worship, the psalmist refers to lifting of hands. This was—and is—a common expression of praise to God (Psalm 28:2; 1 Timothy 2:8). Here, the gesture is directed to the "holy place." This may be a generic reference to the temple. However, one of the areas within the temple was a "holy place" (Exodus 26:33) which contained the "most holy place." These were the physical center of worship under the old covenant (Psalm 134:2).
Blessings are common in the Old Testament. These are prayers for the Lord to bring good things—such as protection and success—to those being blessed. A famous example tied to Aaron is recorded in Numbers 6:24–26. Zion was originally a mountain fortress captured by David (2 Samuel 5:7). This later became part of Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel (1 Kings 8:1) and the location of the temple (Psalm 134:3).
