Psalms 135:21

“Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.”

This verse is the concluding verse of Psalm 135, which is a hymn of praise to God. Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance.

“Blessed be the Lord out of Zion”:The word “blessed” here means to praise, exalt, or speak well of the Lord. It is an expression of adoration and acknowledgment of God’s greatness. “Zion” refers to the hill in Jerusalem where the temple was located, and it symbolizes the dwelling place of God. The psalmist acknowledges that God deserves praise and blessing from His people.

“Which dwelleth at Jerusalem”:This phrase emphasizes the presence of God in Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, Jerusalem was considered the chosen city where God’s temple stood and where His presence dwelt among the people. The psalmist acknowledges God’s special relationship with Jerusalem, recognizing it as the centre of worship and the place where God’s presence could be found.

“Praise ye the Lord”:This phrase is a call to praise the Lord. The psalmist invites all who read or hear the psalm to join in praising and worshiping the Lord. It is a reminder that God is worthy of all honour, adoration, and praise.

Overall, Psalm 135:21 serves as a declaration of praise and a call to worship the Lord. It acknowledges God’s special dwelling in Jerusalem and encourages all to bless, praise, and exalt Him.

It is important to note that while this verse refers to the specific context of Jerusalem and the Old Testament understanding of God’s presence, as Christians, we understand that through Jesus Christ, we can worship and praise God anywhere and at any time. We no longer need a physical location like Jerusalem to encounter God’s presence. The New Testament teaches us that we, as believers, are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and that we can worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

Therefore, this verse can also remind us to praise and worship God in our lives today, recognising His presence, goodness, and faithfulness wherever we are.