Psalms 135:2

KJV

Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye that stand {H5975} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, in the courts {H2691} of the house {H1004} of our God {H430},

Complete Jewish Bible

You who stand in the house of ADONAI, in the courtyards of the house of our God,

Berean Standard Bible

who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.

American Standard Version

Ye that stand in the house of Jehovah, In the courts of the house of our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 135:2 addresses those who are actively engaged in worship within the sacred precincts of the Jerusalem Temple, specifically "Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God." This verse serves as a direct summons to the community of faith, including priests, Levites, and lay Israelites, inviting them to participate in the communal praise of Yahweh, setting the stage for the psalm's recounting of God's mighty acts and His unique sovereignty over all creation and nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 135 is a communal hymn of praise, opening with a direct call to worship in [Psalm 135:1](/psalms/135-1 "Psalm 135:1 - Call to Praise"). The immediate literary context of verse 2 specifies *who* is being called to praise and *where* they are located. Following this address, the psalm proceeds to enumerate the reasons for praise, highlighting God's goodness and pleasantness ([Psalm 135:3](/psalms/135-3 "Psalm 135:3 - God's Goodness")), His choice of Israel ([Psalm 135:4](/psalms/135-4 "Psalm 135:4 - God's Choice of Israel")), His greatness and power over creation ([Psalm 135:5-7](/psalms/135-5 "Psalm 135:5-7 - God's Power over Creation")), and His historical acts of deliverance for Israel ([Psalm 135:8-12](/psalms/135-8 "Psalm 135:8-12 - God's Deliverance of Israel")). The psalm then contrasts the living God with lifeless idols ([Psalm 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15 "Psalm 135:15-18 - Idols Contrasted with God")), concluding with a final, expanded call to various segments of Israel to bless the Lord from Zion ([Psalm 135:19-21](/psalms/135-19 "Psalm 135:19-21 - Final Call to Bless the Lord")). Thus, verse 2 precisely identifies the primary audience for this grand liturgy of praise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "house of the LORD" undeniably refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for ancient Israel. Built by Solomon, it served as the dwelling place for God's name and the focal point for national religious life ([1 Kings 8:13](/1_kings/8-13 "1 Kings 8:13 - Solomon's Dedication of the Temple")). The mention of "courts" (Hebrew: *châtsêr*) is crucial, as the Temple complex comprised various enclosed areas that allowed different groups to participate in worship according to their status and role. These included the Court of the Priests (where sacrifices were performed), the Court of Israel (for male Israelites), and the Court of the Women (for all Israelites, male and female). The phrase "Ye that stand" (Hebrew: *ʻâmad*) signifies a posture of service, attendance, and readiness, often associated with those ministering in the Temple, such as priests and Levites, but also encompassing the general populace who came to worship. The physical act of standing in these sacred spaces was a tangible expression of devotion and participation in the communal worship life mandated by the Mosaic Law.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 135 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence**, emphasizing the physical location where God's presence was uniquely manifested among His people. The Temple was not merely a building but a sacred space where heaven and earth intersected, and where God condescended to meet with humanity ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle")). Secondly, it highlights **Active Worship**, as the posture of "standing" implies not passive observation but engaged, reverent participation in the rituals and communal praise. This active posture reflects a heart ready to serve and adore God. Finally, the distinction between the "house" (likely referring to the inner sanctuary accessible to priests) and the "courts" (accessible to a broader range of worshippers) points to the theme of **Inclusivity within the Covenant Community**. While roles and access varied, the Temple system allowed all God's people to gather and participate in the corporate worship of Yahweh, fostering a sense of unity and shared devotion under the one true God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** This primitive root signifies to be present, to abide, to serve, or to be appointed. In the context of the Temple, it denotes a posture of readiness, service, and attendance. It implies those who are not merely passing through but are actively positioned within the sacred space, prepared to minister or participate in worship. This could apply to priests and Levites who "stand" to minister, or to worshippers who "stand" in reverence and expectation.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word primarily refers to a physical dwelling or structure. In this specific context, it unequivocally denotes the Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell. It encompasses not just the main edifice but the entire complex, serving as the spiritual home for the nation of Israel.
* **courts (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** This term refers to an enclosed area, a yard, or an open space surrounded by walls. In the Temple context, it specifies the various outer areas surrounding the main sanctuary, which were accessible to different groups of worshippers. The mention of "courts" broadens the scope beyond the inner priestly areas, signifying that the call to praise extends to all who gathered within the Temple precincts, highlighting the communal nature of Israelite worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye that stand in the house of the LORD":** This clause addresses those who are physically present and actively positioned within the Temple, the sacred dwelling place of Yahweh (the LORD). The posture of "standing" suggests readiness, reverence, and a state of service or attentive participation in the divine worship. This could refer to the priests and Levites who ministered within the inner sanctum or to devout worshippers who stood in the more accessible areas.
* **"in the courts of the house of our God":** This second clause expands the scope of the address, specifying the "courts" as part of the "house of our God." The "courts" were the outer, more public areas of the Temple complex, accessible to a wider range of the Israelite community, including laypeople. This parallelism emphasizes the inclusivity of the call to praise, extending it to all who gathered within the Temple precincts, acknowledging the communal nature of worship under the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, by repeating the core idea in slightly different phrasing: "in the house of the LORD" is paralleled by "in the courts of the house of our God." This specific type of parallelism is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and often expands upon the first, reinforcing the central theme of worship within the Temple. The use of **Synecdoche** is also evident, where "house" and "courts" represent the entire Temple complex and the system of worship it embodied. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Direct Address** or **Apostrophe**, speaking directly to the worshippers ("Ye that stand"), which creates an immediate and personal connection, inviting active engagement in the psalm's overarching call to praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 135:2 profoundly connects to the biblical theology of God's presence among His people and the communal nature of worship. The Temple, as the "house of the LORD," was the tangible symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell with humanity. The act of "standing" in its courts signified not just physical presence but a spiritual posture of reverence, submission, and readiness to serve the sovereign God. This verse, therefore, undergirds the Old Testament understanding that true worship is both a corporate and active endeavor, rooted in acknowledging God's unique identity and His mighty acts on behalf of His chosen people. The physical gathering in a sacred space was essential for cultivating a collective memory of God's redemptive history and fostering a unified identity as the people of God.

* [Psalm 135:1](/psalms/135-1 "Psalm 135:1 - Call to Praise")
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Longing for God's Courts")
* [1 Kings 8:13](/1_kings/8-13 "1 Kings 8:13 - Solomon's Dedication of the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple no longer stands as the central locus of God's presence, the principles embedded in Psalm 135:2 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse calls us to intentional and active participation in worship, whether in corporate gatherings or in personal devotion. Our "standing" in the "house of the LORD" today can be understood as our posture of readiness, reverence, and service when we assemble as the church, which is the spiritual dwelling place of God through the Spirit. It reminds us that worship is not a passive activity but a dynamic engagement of our whole being—mind, body, and spirit—in acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness. We are called to be present, attentive, and prepared to offer our praise and service, recognizing that wherever two or three are gathered in His name, Christ is there. This verse encourages us to cultivate a longing for God's presence and to prioritize our participation in the communal worship of God's people, fostering a spirit of unity and shared devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "stand" in the "house of the LORD" in my current context?**
* **How does my physical posture and mental readiness reflect my active engagement in worship, both corporately and individually?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and intentionality when I gather with other believers for worship?**

### FAQ
**Who are "Ye that stand in the house of the LORD"?**
Answer: This phrase primarily refers to those who are present and actively engaged in worship within the Temple in Jerusalem. This would include the priests and Levites who ministered within the inner sanctuary and its immediate vicinity, as well as the broader community of Israelite worshippers—men and women—who gathered in the outer "courts" of the Temple complex. It signifies anyone who had come to the sacred space with the intention of participating in the worship and service of Yahweh.

**What is the significance of "house" and "courts" in this verse?**
Answer: "House of the LORD" (Hebrew: *bayith Yᵉhôvâh*) refers to the Jerusalem Temple, the central sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell among His people. The "courts" (Hebrew: *châtsêr*) refer to the various enclosed outer areas of the Temple complex. The distinction highlights the tiered access within the Temple, where priests had access to inner areas, while the general populace gathered in the outer courts. Together, they encompass the entire sacred precinct where communal worship took place. This distinction underscores both the holiness of God's dwelling and the communal nature of Israelite worship, allowing various groups to participate.

**How does this verse apply to believers today, given that the physical Temple no longer exists?**
Answer: While the physical Temple was destroyed, its spiritual significance continues. For New Testament believers, the "house of the LORD" is no longer a physical building but is understood in two primary ways: first, as the church, the gathered community of believers, where God's Spirit dwells ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household")); and second, as the individual believer, whose body is a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as the Temple of God")). Therefore, "Ye that stand" encourages active, reverent, and intentional participation in corporate worship within the church, as well as a posture of spiritual readiness and service in our personal lives, recognizing God's presence within us and among us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 135:2, with its focus on standing in the physical house and courts of the LORD, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, though sacred, was a shadow of the greater reality to come, a temporary dwelling place for God's presence. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the "temple of his body" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Christ became the true and living Temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. He is the one through whom we now have access to God's presence, not through physical proximity to a building, but through faith in Him. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a new spiritual temple, the Church, which is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household")). We, as individual believers, are also indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). Therefore, the call to "stand in the house of the LORD" is now a call to abide in Christ, to gather as His body, the Church, and to live as His dwelling place, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and service through Him, who is our great High Priest and the way to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 116:19

In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 92:13

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Luke 2:37

And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

Psalms 96:8

Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

1 Chronicles 16:37

¶ So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required:

1 Chronicles 16:42

And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun [were] porters.

Nehemiah 9:5

Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.