Psalms 135:2

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise, calling on various groups to extol the name of the LORD. It begins by summoning "servants of the LORD" to praise Him. Verse 2 specifically addresses those who are physically present in the central place of worship for ancient Israel. This verse sets the scene for the subsequent recounting of God's greatness, His power over nature and nations, and His unique status as the one true God, contrasting Him with idols.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence: The verse emphasizes the physical location where God's presence was believed to dwell among His people—the Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the significance of gathering in this sacred space to worship.
  • Active Worship: The phrase "Ye that stand" implies a posture of readiness, service, and active participation in the rites and rituals of the Temple. It speaks to the dedication of those who committed themselves to the worship of God.
  • Inclusivity of Worshippers: While the "house of the LORD" might primarily refer to the inner sanctuary accessible to priests, the mention of "the courts" broadens the scope to include all who gathered there—priests, Levites, and the general Israelite populace who could access the outer courts. This highlights a community united in praise.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "house" is bayith (בַּיִת), which in this context refers to the Temple. The term "courts" (chatzeroth - חֲצֵרוֹת) denotes the various enclosed areas surrounding the main sanctuary, such as the Court of the Priests, the Court of Israel, and the Court of the Women. These different courts allowed various groups of people to participate in the Temple worship according to their roles and access. This physical arrangement reflected the structured and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly builds upon the call in Psalm 135:1, which addresses the "servants of the LORD," identifying those who are specifically positioned to offer praise. The concept of God dwelling among His people in a physical structure is central to Old Testament theology, as seen in the construction of the tabernacle and later the Temple (e.g., Exodus 25:8, 1 Kings 8:13). The longing to be in God's courts is a recurring theme in the Psalms, expressing a deep desire for His presence and worship, as echoed in Psalm 84:10: "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand."

Practical Application

While the physical Temple no longer stands, the principle of gathering in God's presence for worship remains vital. For believers today, the "house of the LORD" can be understood as the church, where God's people assemble, or even as the individual believer, who is called to be a spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages believers to actively and intentionally engage in worship, whether corporately in a church setting or individually in personal devotion. It reminds us that our spiritual posture should be one of standing ready to praise and serve God, recognizing His presence wherever we gather in His name.

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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.
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