Psalms 134:1 KJV

Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

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Psalms 134:1 Bible Commentary

Psalms 134:1 Commentary

Verse: "Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord."

Overview

The Psalm begins with a call to worship, highlighting the role of the servants of the Lord, particularly those who serve in the temple. This verse encapsulates a fundamental aspect of worship: the recognition of God's majesty and the obligation of His servants to bless Him. The emphasis on 'night' suggests a time of vigilance and devotion.

Exegesis

  • Call to Bless the Lord:

    Here, the psalmist invites the servants—often interpreted as the Levites and priests—to bless the Lord. This reflects a crucial aspect of worship: expressing gratitude and reverence towards God. Matthew Henry notes that "the more we bless God, the more we receive of His blessings."

  • Servants of the Lord:

    The term 'servants' underscores the humility and dedication required of those called to minister in His house. Albert Barnes interprets this as a reminder to all believers that service to God must be coupled with a heart posture of worship and reverence.

  • Nightly Vigil:

    The mention of 'by night' is significant in the context of temple worship. Adam Clarke points out that it symbolizes a time when spiritual vigilance is most necessary. The night can represent trials, testing, and the quiet moments when one seeks God’s presence earnestly.

Theological Implications

This verse presents several theological themes critical for pastors and theologians to consider:

  • The Nature of Worship:

    Worship is both a communal and individual act. Here, the corporate element is emphasized through the collective call to bless the Lord, suggesting that worship is an essential act of the community of faith.

  • The Role of Ministers:

    Ministers, as servants, bear the responsibility to lead in worship. This verse serves as an exhortation for leaders to faithfully fulfill their calling, particularly in challenging times symbolized by 'night.'

Practical Applications

The insights from Psalms 134:1 can be significantly applied in contemporary worship settings:

  • Encouraging Community Worship:

    Pastors should promote an atmosphere of collective worship, echoing the psalmist's call to all servants to bless the Lord.

  • Focus on Night Vigil:

    Encouraging prayer vigils can deepen the spiritual life of the church, taking a cue from the psalmist's emphasis on nighttime worship.

Conclusion

Psalms 134:1 serves as a profound reminder of the roles of servants within the temple—both the physical and the spiritual. It calls for a continuous attitude of blessing God, emphasizing that worship occurs in every season, including the dark and difficult times. As leaders and laity alike engage in this sacred act, they participate in a divine rhythm of praise and service that echoes throughout their lives.

Psalms 134 (KJV) Verse Selection