What does Psalm 134:2 mean?
ESV: Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!
NIV: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.
NASB: Lift up your hands to the sanctuary And bless the Lord.
CSB: Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord!
NLT: Lift your hands toward the sanctuary, and praise the Lord.
KJV: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.
NKJV: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the Lord.
Verse Commentary:
This call to worship (Psalm 134:1) is extended to the priests and Levites. They served at all times in the temple (Leviticus 8:35).
To lift one's hands is a common Old Testament expression of praise. David spoke of lifting hands towards the Lord's sanctuary (Psalm 28:2). Paul also mentions this as an aspect of worship when giving instructions to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:8). References to "the holy place" or "the sanctuary" mean the physical center of Old Testament worship. At first, this was the holy place within the tabernacle (Exodus 26:33–34). Later, it was the holy place built as part of the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:1). Even when the temple had been destroyed (2 Chronicles 36:17–21), the prophet Daniel still preferred to face Jerusalem when he prayed (Daniel 6:10).
Verse Context:
Psalm 134:1–2 repeats the name Yahweh four times. This is the name used by God when speaking to Moses (Exodus 3:15). The psalmist encourages worship from the Levites and priests (Numbers 1:50) who serve as caretakers of the temple (1 Kings 6:1).
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist calls on the Levites who minister in the temple (Numbers 1:50; 1 Kings 6:1) to worship God. He also expresses a blessing by referring to Zion, another name for Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). The Lord's role as Creator emphasizes the value of His blessing.
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).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 3/28/2025 1:00:04 AM
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