Psalm 134:2

Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD!

Study Bible

Lift up your hands
The phrase "Lift up your hands" is a call to action, a physical expression of worship and surrender. In the Hebrew context, the act of lifting hands is often associated with prayer and blessing. The Hebrew word for "lift" is "nasa," which means to carry or bear. This gesture signifies an offering of oneself to God, a symbolic act of reaching out to the divine. Historically, this practice can be traced back to the ancient Near Eastern customs where lifting hands was a common posture in prayer, symbolizing openness and receptivity to God's presence and blessings.

in the sanctuary
The term "in the sanctuary" refers to the holy place where God dwells. In Hebrew, the word for sanctuary is "qodesh," meaning a sacred or holy place. This phrase emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in a designated holy space, which, in the context of ancient Israel, would have been the temple in Jerusalem. The sanctuary represents God's presence among His people, a place set apart for divine encounters. This highlights the significance of approaching God with reverence and awe, acknowledging His holiness and the sacredness of the space dedicated to His worship.

and bless the LORD
The phrase "and bless the LORD" is an exhortation to praise and honor God. The Hebrew word for "bless" is "barak," which means to kneel or to give adoration. This act of blessing God is a reciprocal response to His goodness and faithfulness. In the biblical context, blessing the LORD is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty, grace, and mercy. It is an expression of gratitude and devotion, recognizing God's supreme authority and benevolence. This phrase calls believers to actively engage in worship, offering heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to the Creator.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 134, traditionally attributed to King David, who composed many of the Psalms. This Psalm is part of the Songs of Ascents, which were sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem.

2. The Sanctuary
Refers to the holy place where God dwells, specifically the temple in Jerusalem. It symbolizes God's presence among His people.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel.

4. The Levites/Priests
Those who served in the temple, often leading worship and blessing the LORD on behalf of the people.

5. The Pilgrims
The faithful Israelites who traveled to Jerusalem for the feasts, participating in worship and blessing God.

Teaching Points

Worship as a Physical and Spiritual Act
Lifting hands is a biblical expression of worship, symbolizing surrender, praise, and a reaching out to God. It is both a physical and spiritual act that engages the whole person in worship.

Blessing the LORD
To bless the LORD is to speak well of Him, to praise His name, and to acknowledge His greatness and goodness. It is an act of gratitude and reverence.

The Role of the Sanctuary
The sanctuary represents God's presence. In the New Testament context, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and worship is not confined to a physical location but is a lifestyle.

Priestly Role of Believers
As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and blessings to God through our lives and worship.

Unity in Worship
The communal aspect of worship is emphasized as the pilgrims and priests together lift their hands and voices to bless the LORD, highlighting the importance of corporate worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of lifting hands in worship signify in both the Old and New Testaments, and how can this be applied in our personal worship today?

2. How does understanding the role of the sanctuary in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of being the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we "bless the LORD" in our daily lives, and how does this impact our relationship with Him and others?

4. How does the concept of being a "royal priesthood" influence our understanding of worship and service in the church?

5. What are some practical ways we can foster unity in worship within our local church community, and why is this important?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Timothy 2:8
Paul encourages believers to lift holy hands in prayer, connecting the physical act of lifting hands with a heart posture of holiness and devotion.

Psalm 63:4
The Psalmist expresses a desire to bless God while lifting hands, showing a personal and intimate act of worship.

Exodus 29:24
The lifting of hands is part of the consecration ceremony for priests, symbolizing dedication and service to God.

Nehemiah 8:6
The people lift their hands in response to Ezra's reading of the Law, demonstrating reverence and agreement with God's Word.