‏ Psalms 134:1-2

PSALM CXXXIV

An exhortation to praise God in his sanctuary, 1-3.

NOTES ON PSALM CXXXIV

This is the last of the fifteen Psalms called Psalms of degrees. Who was the author is uncertain; it is attributed to David only by the Syriac; it is intimately connected with the two preceding Psalms, and is an exhortation to the priests and Levites who kept nightly watch in the temple, to the assiduous in praising the Lord. It seems to consist of two parts: 1. An exhortation, probably from the high priest, to those priests and Levites who kept watch in the temple by night, to spend their time profitably, and duly celebrate the praises of God, Ps 134:1, 2. The second part, which is contained in the third verse, Ps 134:3 is the prayer of the priests and Levites for the high priest, who seems now to be going to his rest.

Verse 1. Behold, bless ye the Lord] I believe hinneh should be taken here in the sense of take heed! Be upon your guard; you serve a jealous God; provoke him not.

Which by night stand] Who minister during the night.

Verse 2. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary] kodesh, "in holiness:" or, as the SYRIAC, [Syriac] lekoudishe, "to holiness;" in sancta, VULGATE; and ειστααγια, SEPTUAGINT; "in holy things; or, as the AETHIOPIC, in the house of the sanctuary." The expression seems very similar to that of St. Paul, 1Ti 2:8: "Lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."

Bless the Lord.] That is, speak good of his name: tell the wonders he has wrought, and show that his name is exalted.

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