For those who may wish to ‘study’ this chapter, the following simple resources are provided for you. Each passage has a four-Part approach to help you take in and think further about what you have read.

Passage: Psa 134

1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
    who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
    and praise the Lord.

3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,
    he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

A. Find Out

1. Who are being encouraged in this psalm? v.1a
2. What are they doing and where and when? v.1b
3. What are they encouraged to do? v.2
4. Who do they appeal to? v.3a
5. To do what? v.3b

B. Think:

1. Note again, WHO are the subjects of this psalm?
2. WHEN are they working?
3. What therefore, do you think, is the purpose of this psalm?

C. Comment:

                Elsewhere in the Old Testament we read, “Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.” (1 Chron 9:33)

                This fifteenth and final ‘song of ascents’ appears to be encouragement from the pilgrims who have been visiting the temple, for those who minister there, and especially those who minister at night, who perhaps act as night watchmen in the Temple.

                Those being addressed in the psalm are ‘servants of the Lord’ (v.1a), but not any servants, specifically those who minister in the Temple at night (v.1b) They are encouraged to praise the Lord (v.1a). Perhaps this is to help them overcome any temptation in the night watch to feel jaded. They are there for a purpose, day or night. So the encouragers repeat this exhortation to praise the Lord (v.2b) and to do it wholeheartedly, lifting holy hands to the Lord (v.2a). Lifting holy hands is a sign of involvement, of commitment to the act of worship.

                Then comes what may be a response of benediction from these Levites left on duty to the departing pilgrims, a blessing on them (v.3b), a blessing from the Lord who is maker of Heaven and Earth (v.3a), the almighty One, the One who provides all good things. May He bless you pilgrims as you leave and return him, blessing in your whole life.

D. Application:

1. Some are called to serve in non-public places and times.
2. Never let service for the lord become a chore.