Psalm 134 — Blessings at the end of the day — Reading the Psalms

A Song of Ascents.

1 Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD,
Which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary,
And bless ye the LORD.
3 The LORD bless thee out of Zion;
Even he that made heaven and earth.

With these simple words the great gathering of psalms of degrees, psalms of ascents, the psalms of the very steps to the holy temple come to a close. They hold a greeting and response. They greet the servants of the people and their God, the Priests and Levites,  with blessings. These servants respond themselves by blessing the people.

In our previous psalm we reflected on the great blessing found by brethren dwelling in unity. The fruits of this blessing are found in this psalm, too. By the safety and service found in brotherly unity, as given and nourished by God himself, we are able to walk in the vocations God gives to the service and blessing of all. We may serve God with humble service, not needing to fight for prominence in pride. We may serve our brethren, God’s children, with beautiful service, not wanting to withhold from others what they might enjoy.

With this last song of ascents, I picture our time of worship come to an end. We turn to those few who would labor still in the temple and offer them blessing. Our paths home are blessed by them in return. At home, by the blessing of our Father, we labor and save that we might serve another again. And so, living in the community of God, we all mature together to be a strong and healthy body, nourished by our wise head and Lord.

Praise God for blessings in this creation.

Praise God for felicity hereafter.