Psalms 135:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Bless {H1288} the LORD {H3068}, O house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}: bless {H1288} the LORD {H3068}, O house {H1004} of Aaron {H175}:

Complete Jewish Bible

House of Isra'el, bless ADONAI! House of Aharon, bless ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

O house of Israel, bless ye Jehovah: O house of Aaron, bless ye Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 135:19 serves as a fervent and specific summons to worship, directing its call to two pivotal groups within ancient Israel: the entire nation, represented by the "house of Israel," and the priestly lineage, designated as the "house of Aaron." This verse is embedded within a broader psalm that magnifies the incomparable greatness of Yahweh, contrasting His sovereign power and historical faithfulness with the impotence of pagan idols, thereby underscoring His supreme worthiness of all praise and adoration from His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 135 is a liturgical hymn, likely used in temple worship, that functions as a comprehensive call to praise Yahweh. It begins with an exhortation to praise God's name and His goodness (e.g., [Psalm 135:1-3](/psalms/135-1 "Psalm 135:1-3 - Call to Praise")). The psalm then shifts to recount God's magnificent attributes and mighty acts in creation and redemption, including His sovereignty over nature ([Psalm 135:6-7](/psalms/135-6 "Psalm 135:6-7 - God's Sovereignty in Creation")), His deliverance of Israel from Egypt ([Psalm 135:8-9](/psalms/135-8 "Psalm 135:8-9 - The Plagues in Egypt")), and His conquest of the promised land ([Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10 "Psalm 135:10-12 - Conquest of Canaan")). A stark contrast is drawn between the living God and the lifeless idols of the nations ([Psalm 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15 "Psalm 135:15-18 - Idols Contrasted with God")). Verses 19-21 then serve as a concluding, specific invitation to various segments of the community—Israel, Aaron, Levi, and those who fear the Lord—to bless the Lord, culminating in a doxology from Jerusalem. Our verse, [Psalm 135:19](/psalms/135-19 "Psalm 135:19 - Call to Israel and Aaron"), initiates this final, targeted call to worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "house of Israel" refers to the entire covenant nation, descendants of Jacob, who were called by God to be His special possession and a kingdom of priests ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel as God's Treasured Possession")). The "house of Aaron" specifically designates the priestly lineage, the descendants of Aaron, who were consecrated by God to mediate between Him and the people. Their duties included offering sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle/temple, teaching the Law, and blessing the people in the name of the LORD ([Leviticus 8-10](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-10 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). This distinction highlights the structured nature of Israelite society and worship, where all were called to worship, but specific roles were assigned to ensure proper adherence to the Law and the maintenance of the covenant relationship. The setting for such a psalm would likely be the Jerusalem Temple, where both the general populace and the priests gathered for festivals and regular worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 135 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Corporate Worship and Unity**, emphasizing that the entire community of faith, from the general populace to its consecrated leaders, is united in their duty to praise God. Secondly, it reinforces **God's Supreme Worthiness and Sovereignty**, asserting that Yahweh, unlike the impotent idols described earlier in the psalm ([Psalm 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The Futility of Idols")), is the only true God deserving of adoration. His mighty deeds, from creation to the Exodus ([Psalm 135:8-9](/psalms/135-8 "Psalm 135:8-9 - God's Power in the Exodus")), are the foundation for this call to bless Him. Thirdly, the verse subtly highlights the theme of **Distinct Roles in Worship**, acknowledging the unique, yet complementary, responsibilities of the general assembly and the priestly leadership in leading and facilitating the worship of God. This collective and differentiated call to "bless the LORD" encapsulates the very essence of Israel's covenant identity and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root (H1288) primarily means "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless." When applied to humans blessing God, it signifies an act of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving, acknowledging His inherent goodness, power, and sovereignty. It is not an act of bestowing something upon God, but rather an act of recognizing and declaring what He already is and has done. It conveys deep reverence and humble submission.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred, personal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, derived from the verb "to be" (hayah). It signifies "the self-Existent" or "Eternal One." This name emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His covenant faithfulness, and His absolute sovereignty as the God who reveals Himself and acts in history, particularly in delivering His people. The call to bless "the LORD" is a call to worship the one true, living God who has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) is rich in meaning, extending beyond a mere physical dwelling. It can refer to a family, household, lineage, or even a dynasty. In the context of "house of Israel" and "house of Aaron," it signifies the entire collective body or lineage of each group. "House of Israel" encompasses all the descendants of Jacob, the entire nation, while "house of Aaron" specifically refers to the priestly family and their descendants, who held a distinct role in Israel's religious life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bless the LORD, O house of Israel:"** This clause issues a direct, imperative command to the entire nation of Israel. The command to "bless the LORD" (Yahweh) is a summons for the collective body of God's covenant people to offer Him adoration, praise, and thanksgiving. It acknowledges their identity as the chosen people and their fundamental duty to respond to God's greatness and faithfulness with worship. This is a call for the whole community, irrespective of individual status, to participate in corporate praise.
* **"bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:"** This second clause repeats the same imperative, but specifically directs it to the "house of Aaron," which represents the priestly lineage. This highlights the distinct, yet complementary, role of the priesthood in Israel's worship. As those consecrated for sacred service, the priests had a particular responsibility to lead and facilitate worship, offering sacrifices and blessings on behalf of the people. Their call to bless the LORD emphasizes their unique position and greater accountability in setting an example of devotion and reverence for the entire nation. The repetition underscores the importance and universality of the command to praise God, extending to all segments of society, including its spiritual leaders.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "Bless the LORD," which serves to emphasize the central command and its urgency. This repetition creates a rhythmic, liturgical feel, reinforcing the idea of a universal and continuous call to worship. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synonymous Parallelism** where the second line echoes the first, but with a specific focus. While both lines issue the same command ("Bless the LORD"), they address different, though related, groups ("house of Israel" and "house of Aaron"), creating a sense of comprehensive inclusion. This structure also employs **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, in this case, the "house of Israel" and "house of Aaron," making the call to worship personal and immediate for the intended audience. The structure is also somewhat **Chiastic** in its address, moving from the general (Israel) to the specific (Aaron), implying a comprehensive scope of worship from all parts of the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 135:19 powerfully articulates the fundamental theological truth that all of God's people are called to worship Him, acknowledging His unique identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. The distinction between the "house of Israel" and the "house of Aaron" underscores that while all believers share a common call to praise, there are also specific roles and responsibilities within the community of faith, particularly for those in leadership. This verse foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the priesthood of all believers, where every follower of Christ is given direct access to God and is commissioned to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. It reminds us that our worship is not merely an individual act but a corporate expression of gratitude and adoration to the God who has revealed Himself through mighty acts of salvation.

* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise")
* [Psalm 148:1-14](/psalms/148 "Psalm 148 - Universal Call to Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 135:19 calls us to a profound and active posture of worship. For believers today, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that praise is not an optional add-on to our faith but a central, non-negotiable duty and privilege. Just as ancient Israel and its consecrated priesthood were called to bless the LORD, so too are all who are part of God's spiritual household—the Church—called to continually acknowledge His greatness and goodness. This applies both to our individual, private devotion and to our corporate, communal gatherings. We are to be a people whose lives are marked by a continuous "blessing of the LORD," reflecting His excellencies in word and deed. This involves not only vocal praise but also living lives that honor Him, serving others, and proclaiming His truth. Leaders within the church bear a particular responsibility, akin to the house of Aaron, to exemplify and facilitate this worship, guiding the congregation into deeper adoration and understanding of God's character and works.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, as an individual, actively "bless the LORD" in my daily life?**
* **How does my participation in corporate worship reflect the collective call to praise found in this verse?**
* **If I am in a leadership position within my faith community, how am I exemplifying and encouraging the "blessing of the LORD" among those I lead?**
* **What specific attributes or acts of God, as highlighted in Psalm 135, motivate my praise and adoration today?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for humans to "bless the LORD"?**

Answer: When humans "bless the LORD," it is not an act of bestowing something upon God, as if He lacks anything. Rather, it is an act of acknowledging, recognizing, and declaring His inherent goodness, power, and worthiness. It means to praise Him, adore Him, thank Him, and acknowledge His supreme sovereignty and beneficence. It is an expression of worship that comes from a place of reverence and gratitude for who He is and what He has done, particularly His mighty acts of creation and redemption, as highlighted throughout [Psalm 135](/psalms/135 "Psalm 135 - A Hymn of Praise to Yahweh").

**Why are "the house of Israel" and "the house of Aaron" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The specific mention of "the house of Israel" and "the house of Aaron" highlights the comprehensive and distinct nature of worship in ancient Israel. "The house of Israel" refers to the entire nation, God's covenant people, emphasizing that all individuals within the community are called to worship. "The house of Aaron" refers to the priestly lineage, those consecrated to sacred service. This distinction underscores that while worship is universal for all believers, there are also specific roles and responsibilities within the community, with the priests having a particular duty to lead and facilitate worship. It signifies that praise is due from every segment of God's people, from the general assembly to its spiritual leadership, as seen also in [Psalm 135:20](/psalms/135-20 "Psalm 135:20 - Call to Levi and Those Who Fear the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 135:19, with its dual call to the "house of Israel" and the "house of Aaron" to "bless the LORD," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant community, the Church. Christ Himself is the quintessential Israelite, the true Son of God who perfectly fulfilled the Law and the covenant, embodying the faithfulness that Israel often failed to maintain. More profoundly, Jesus is the great High Priest, belonging to a superior priesthood, "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ's Priesthood after Melchizedek")), not of Aaron. He offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin, thereby rendering the Aaronic sacrificial system obsolete ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, He has inaugurated a new "house of Israel," not defined by physical descent but by faith in Him. This new community, the Church, is now declared to be "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Priesthood of All Believers")). Therefore, the call to "bless the LORD" in [Psalm 135:19](/psalms/135-19 "Psalm 135:19 - Call to Israel and Aaron") now extends to all who are in Christ—both Jew and Gentile—who, by virtue of their union with Him, are part of God's redeemed family and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). In Christ, the distinct calls to Israel and Aaron converge into one unified, Spirit-filled body, continually blessing the Father through the Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.