Bless the LORD Psalm 134

Background Final psalm of ascents (120-134) Possibly sung as leaving the city or occasion of worship A call to bless the LORD

Bless the lord Bless – typically, to show favor toward one Can also mean to speak well of, to praise, to kneel before. Approach with adoration. It is in this sense, we bless the LORD

Bless the lord Bless the LORD – Genesis 24:48, Abraham’s servant sent to find a wife for Isaac. Deuteronomy 8:10, when you are full – do not forget Him Judges 5:2, in the song of Deborah 1 Chronicles 29:10, as Solomon is about to be anointed

Bless the lord Bless the LORD – Nehemiah 8:6, Ezra blessed the LORD as he took the book Psalm 16:7, 34:1, 103:1-2, 20-22, 135:19-20 – several times in the psalms Similar, to “praise the LORD” (Hallelujah) in meaning

Bless the lord How do we bless the Lord? By approaching Him with reverence – John 4:24, Hebrews 12:28 By praising Him – Hebrews 13:15 By being thankful – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, Colossians 3:16-17, Ephesians 5:20, etc.

Bless the lord How do we bless the Lord? By magnifying (and glorifying) Him in our lives – Philippians 1:19-20, Romans 15:5-6 1 Corinthians 6:20 1 Peter 4:11 By respecting His pattern – cf. Hebrews 8:5-6, Ephesians 1:22-23 1 John 5:2-3, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:21-23 James 4:8 – draw near to God

ALL YOU SERVANTS OF THE LORD Who by night stand in the house of the LORD Possibly, the priesthood, or temple administration including guards – cf. Luke 2:37, 1 Chronicles 9:33 We serve our God at ALL times!

ALL YOU SERVANTS OF THE LORD We are the priests today Possibly, the priesthood, or temple administration including guards – 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9 We offer sacrifices – Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 13:15-16 We pray to Him 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 – diffusing the fragrance of His knowledge

Respect as we approach Him LIFT UP YOUR HANDS Respect as we approach Him Lifting up hands – while no set posture, this was frequently found in OT 1 Kings 8:22, Psalm 28:2, 63:4, 141:2. Also, 1 Timothy 2:8

LIFT UP YOUR HANDS Should we lift up our hands today? Such is judgment, but not necessary Consider: 1) A product of the charismatic “experience” or emotion driven 2) God is concerned with the heart Psalm 51:17 3) Is it genuine humility, or to be seen?

Lord who made …earth Acknowledge Him for who He is! Truly, He is a great God Psalm 115:15, 121:2, Genesis 1:1, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16(spoken of Christ) “How great thou art”

Bless you from zion Consider the picture, as the people are leaving the city. They call for the keepers to bless the LORD. In return, the keepers answer, “The LORD… bless you from Zion!”

Bless you from zion We are blessed by Him in many ways Ephesians 1:3 John 1:16 NOTE: How do we bless others? Cf. 1 Peter 3:9, Matthew 5:44 Bless you from Zion – a benediction – concluding words expressing good wishes or invoking blessings as we leave. Cf. 1 Cor. 16:23, 2 Cor. 13:11-14, Eph. 6:23-24, etc.

You have been abundantly blessed by him You have been abundantly blessed by him. How are you blessing him in return?