Psalms 135:20
Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
Psalms 135:20 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise, exalting the greatness and sovereignty of the Lord. It emphasizes the superiority of God over all false gods and idols. The psalmist calls upon the people to praise and bless the Lord, acknowledging His mighty works and His chosen people.
In verse 20, the psalmist specifically addresses the house of Levi, which refers to the priestly tribe in Israel. The Levites were responsible for serving in the tabernacle and later the temple, carrying out the various duties related to worship and offering sacrifices. They ministered to the priests and had charge of things in the tabernacle and temple; many were porters (gatekeepers), and others were singers whose work it was to give thanks morning and evening.
Meaning
The psalmist urges the Levites, who were dedicated to the service of God, to bless the Lord. This call to bless the Lord is an act of worship and praise. It is an acknowledgment of God’s greatness, faithfulness, and goodness. By blessing the Lord, the psalmist encourages the Levites to express their gratitude and devotion to God.
Additionally, the psalmist highlights the importance of fearing the Lord. The fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of Him but rather having reverence, awe, and respect for Him. It involves recognizing God’s holiness, majesty, and authority. Those who fear the Lord are called to join in blessing Him, acknowledging His worthiness of praise.
Biblical connections
The verse is part of a parallel structure with verse 19, which calls on the house of Israel and the house of Aaron to bless the Lord. The progression moves from the whole nation to the priests, then to the Levites, and finally to all who fear the Lord. The following verse (21) concludes the psalm with a blessing from Zion, where the Lord dwells in Jerusalem, connecting the praise of God’s people to His presence among them.
Application
As believers today, we can draw several lessons from this verse:
Worship and Praise: Like the Levites, we are called to bless and praise the Lord. Our worship should be characterised by gratitude, awe, and reverence. It is a way to express our love and adoration for God.
Service: The Levites had a specific role in serving God within the tabernacle and temple. Similarly, as believers, we are called to serve God with our gifts and talents. We can honour Him by using our abilities for His glory and the benefit of others.
Fear of the Lord: Cultivating a proper fear of the Lord is crucial in our relationship with Him. It involves recognising His authority and submitting to His will. Fearing God keeps us humble, obedient, and receptive to His guidance.
Community: The psalmist addresses the house of Levi, highlighting the importance of communal worship and praise. As believers, we are part of the body of Christ, and gathering together to worship and bless the Lord strengthens our faith and encourages one another.
Reflection
The call to bless the Lord is not limited to a specific tribe or office. It extends to all who fear the Lord, inviting every believer into the joy of praising God. As we serve Him in our daily lives, we join the Levites and all who revere Him in declaring His worthiness.
