Psalms 135:20

Psalms 135:20 is a direct call to worship and praise, specifically addressing the tribe of Levi and then extending to all who revere God. It is part of a larger psalm that recounts God's mighty deeds and superiority over idols, culminating in a series of exhortations to bless the Lord.

Context

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise, likely used in temple worship. It begins with a general call to praise God (verses 1-3) and then lists reasons for this praise: God's goodness, His choice of Israel as His peculiar treasure (verse 4), His greatness above all gods (verse 5), His sovereignty over creation and history (verses 6-12), and His eternal name (verse 13). Verses 15-18 contrast the living God with lifeless idols, and the psalm concludes with a four-fold call to specific groups within Israel to "bless the LORD." Verse 20 directly follows the call to the "house of Israel" and the "house of Aaron" in Psalms 135:19.

Key Themes

• Call to Worship: The core message is a command to "Bless the LORD," an act of declaring God's goodness, power, and worthiness of all praise. It's an active expression of adoration and gratitude.
• The Role of Levi: The "house of Levi" refers to the priestly and Levitical families, who were consecrated for service in the Tabernacle and Temple. Their duties included leading worship, offering sacrifices, and teaching the Law. This verse highlights their specific responsibility to lead and exemplify praise, reflecting their unique covenantal role as described in books like Numbers 3:6-9.
• Universal Reverence: The phrase "ye that fear the LORD" broadens the call beyond the specific priestly class. It encompasses all devout Israelites, and by extension, all who genuinely revere God. The fear of the LORD in biblical terms is not terror, but a profound reverence, respect, and obedient awe that acknowledges God's supreme authority and holiness.
• Collective Praise: The psalm emphasizes that worship is a communal activity, with various groups contributing to the chorus of praise for God's mighty deeds.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "Bless the LORD" (barkhu Yahweh) is a common liturgical exhortation. It signifies an act of praise, acknowledging God's attributes and deeds. The term "fear the LORD" (yirei Yahweh) is crucial; it implies a deep, reverential awe that leads to obedience and wisdom, not merely fright. Those who possess this fear are expected to engage actively in worship.

Practical Application

While the "house of Levi" had a specific Old Testament function, the New Testament teaches that all believers are now part of a "royal priesthood." This verse, therefore, applies to every Christian today. We are all called to:

• Actively Praise God: Our lives should be characterized by an ongoing attitude of blessing and praising the Lord, not just in formal worship settings but in all circumstances.
• Live in Reverence: Cultivating a genuine "fear of the LORD" means living with respect for His holiness, obedience to His commands, and awe at His majesty.
• Lead by Example: Just as the Levites were to lead in worship, believers today are called to be examples of praise and devotion in their communities and the world.

This verse reminds us that praising God is both a privilege and a duty for all who acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness.