Connect Psalm 135:20 with another verse about blessing the Lord. Key Scriptures • Psalm 135:20: “O house of Levi, bless the LORD; you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!” • Psalm 103:1–2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Shared Theme: A Universal Call to Praise • Psalm 135:20 addresses priests (Levi’s house) and every God-fearing worshiper. • Psalm 103:1–2 turns the call inward, urging each believer’s very soul to bless the Lord. • Together, the two passages show that blessing the Lord is both corporate and personal—extending from the sanctuary to the secret place of the heart. What It Means to “Bless” the Lord • Hebrew “barak” pictures kneeling in adoration—honoring God’s worth. • Blessing the Lord is not adding something He lacks; it is recognizing His sufficiency and greatness. • When priests and people bless God (Psalm 135:20), and when the soul blesses God (Psalm 103:1), they echo heaven’s worship (Revelation 5:13). Links Between the Two Psalms • Both psalms rehearse God’s mighty works (Psalm 135:4–12; Psalm 103:3–5). Praise flows from remembering redemption and provision. • Each psalm broadens the audience: – Psalm 135 moves from Israel (v. 19) to Levi (v. 20) to “all who fear the LORD” (v. 20). – Psalm 103 moves from the psalmist’s soul (v. 1) to “all His works, in all places of His dominion” (v. 22). Practical Ways to Bless the Lord Today • Speak aloud specific reasons for gratitude, mirroring Psalm 103:2’s call to “forget not.” • Join corporate worship regularly, reflecting Psalm 135’s communal setting. • Memorize verses that highlight God’s attributes—fuel for heartfelt praise (Psalm 145:3). • Serve others in humility; blessing God overflows into loving actions (Hebrews 13:15–16). Takeaway Psalm 135:20 invites every worshiper, and Psalm 103:1–2 invites every inner thought, to unite in one continuous chorus: “Bless the LORD!” |
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