Psalm 135 19

Psalm 135:19 kjv

Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:

Psalm 135:19 nkjv

Bless the LORD, O house of Israel! Bless the LORD, O house of Aaron!

Psalm 135:19 niv

All you Israelites, praise the LORD; house of Aaron, praise the LORD;

Psalm 135:19 esv

O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!

Psalm 135:19 nlt

O Israel, praise the LORD!
O priests ? descendants of Aaron ? praise the LORD!

Psalm 135 verses

Psalm 135 19 Meaning

Psalm 135:19 is a direct and encompassing call to all segments of the covenant people of Israel to actively engage in the praise and adoration of the LORD (Yahweh). It functions as a concluding exhortation within a psalm that celebrates God's sovereignty over nature and history, His unique identity, and His superiority over false gods. The verse implores the entire community—from the general populace, to the priests, to the Levitical temple servants, and to all devout believers—to bless the name of the one true God, acknowledging His greatness and His works.

Psalm 135 19 Context

Psalm 135:19 is located towards the conclusion of a psalm that serves as a powerful hymn of praise to the LORD. The psalm opens with a general call to praise (vv. 1-3), then proceeds to recount God's gracious choice of Israel, His great deeds in creation, His historical interventions (like the Exodus and conquest), and His supremacy over idols (vv. 4-18). Verses 15-18, in particular, deride the uselessness of man-made idols, which contrast sharply with the living, active God of Israel. Thus, verse 19, along with verse 20, acts as a renewed and climactic exhortation for God's chosen people—each distinct group within it—to bless the LORD who alone is worthy of worship because of His demonstrable power and unique nature, in stark opposition to the deaf and dumb idols of the nations. Historically, such psalms reinforced Israel's identity as God's covenant people and affirmed their monotheistic faith, particularly in contexts where they encountered the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures.

Psalm 135 19 Word analysis

• O house of Israel (בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, beit Yisra'el): "House" signifies not merely a physical dwelling but a lineage, family, and by extension, the entire nation or collective descendants. "Israel" here refers to Jacob's descendants, the chosen people of God with whom He made a covenant. This addresses the entire lay community, the twelve tribes, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the call to worship.
• bless (בָּרְכוּ, barekhu): This is a command form from the Hebrew root ב.ר.ך. (barak). It implies far more than a simple utterance of good wishes. When humans "bless" God, it means to acknowledge and proclaim His supreme worth, His holiness, His power, and His goodness. It is to ascribe honor, glory, and gratitude to Him, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings. It’s an act of worship and adoration, affirming His rightful sovereignty and uniqueness.
• the LORD (יְהוָה, YHVH, Yahweh): This is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses (Exod 3:14-15). It distinguishes the one true God of Israel from all other gods and idols. Using this name highlights His relational, unchanging, and ever-present nature. To "bless the LORD" means to honor Yahweh specifically, the God who acts in history and keeps His promises.
• O house of Aaron (בֵּית אַהֲרֹן, beit Aharon): This refers to the priestly line, descendants of Aaron. These individuals had a special role in leading worship, making sacrifices, and mediating between God and the people in the tabernacle and temple. Their specific inclusion emphasizes their distinct spiritual responsibility and the importance of liturgical leadership in worship. Their worship is integral to the corporate worship of the nation.
• O house of Levi (בֵּית הַלֵּוִי, beit ha-Levi): This refers to the tribe of Levi, from whom the priests (sons of Aaron) were drawn, but more broadly encompassing the non-Aaronic Levites who served as temple attendants, musicians, gatekeepers, and administrators. They facilitated the worship and upkeep of the sanctuary. Their distinct mention signifies that everyone involved in Temple service, beyond just the officiating priests, is called to participate in the blessing of the LORD.
• you who fear the LORD (יִרְאֵי יְהוָה, yir'ei YHVH): This phrase designates a broader group than specific lineages. "Fear" (yirah) here does not mean terror but profound reverence, awe, worshipful respect, and a humble obedience that acknowledges God's absolute power and holiness. This group likely includes all faithful Israelites who demonstrate true piety, and potentially even God-fearing Gentiles (proselytes or "God-fearers") who have embraced the worship of YHVH. This emphasizes that worship is not limited to birth or priestly office but extends to anyone with a reverent heart toward God.

• Words-group by words-group analysis: The repeated structure of "O house of [group]... bless the LORD" reveals a powerful, escalating, and inclusive call to worship. It begins with the general population ("house of Israel"), then specifically addresses the liturgical leadership—the priests ("house of Aaron") and the temple assistants ("house of Levi"). Finally, it extends the call to anyone, regardless of tribal affiliation or formal role, who genuinely possesses reverence and devotion to God ("you who fear the LORD"). This demonstrates that blessing the LORD is the collective responsibility of the entire nation, encompassing every level of their societal and spiritual structure, unifying them in praise to the one true God against the backdrop of pervasive idol worship.

Psalm 135 19 Bonus section

This psalm, like Psalms 134, 136, 137, and 138, is part of a collection sometimes linked to pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for festivals. The recurring structure of calling distinct groups to praise is a common feature in later psalms (e.g., Ps 115). The clear distinction between the "living" LORD and "dead" idols is a strong polemical element, characteristic of post-exilic writings which emphasized monotheism in the face of persistent polytheistic temptations (cf. Isa 44:9-20). The concept of "fearing the LORD" is a pivotal theological concept throughout the Old Testament, denoting not a cowering dread, but an active, reverent obedience that marks a true disciple. This multi-layered call reflects a vibrant liturgical context, likely in the Second Temple period, where all segments of the community understood their part in the worship life of Israel.

Psalm 135 19 Commentary

Psalm 135:19 is a vibrant and foundational exhortation, central to the psalm's overall purpose of affirming Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty and uniqueness. After establishing God's superiority through His mighty works and contrasting Him with lifeless idols, the psalm reaches this climactic call for universal praise within the covenant community. It systematically includes the entire nation (house of Israel), those dedicated to priestly ministry (house of Aaron), those consecrated to temple service (house of Levi), and, significantly, all individuals who embody genuine reverence for God, regardless of specific designation. This inclusive sweep ensures that no one is excluded from the imperative to "bless the LORD," which implies an active, heartfelt declaration of God's worth and acknowledgment of His covenant faithfulness. The verse underpins the understanding that worship is the duty and privilege of every believer, transcending societal roles or ancestral lines, unifying the collective in adoration of the living God. It is a powerful reminder that all of God's people are called to a life of active praise and worship, testifying to His character and works.Practical usage: This verse encourages all believers to see themselves as integral to the community of worship, whether they lead, serve in specific roles, or are simply individuals who fear God. It validates diverse expressions of faith within corporate praise and personal devotion.