PSALM 134

CONSIDER

• The 15 'Song of Ascents' in the book of Psalm (ch 120-134) are the songs Levite priests would sing as they ascended the 15 steps to the temple in celebration of the feasts  <F60>

• When Jewish people went to Jerusalem for a feast or for some other reason it was said they 'went up to Jerusalem' along Processional or Pilgrimage Road that took them from the lower part off the City of David to the Temple area

• FYI: The Processional Road (or Pilgrimage Road) in Jerusalem was first discovered in the late 19th century by British archaeologists, with a significant section of the ancient Roman-era street excavated and revealed to the public in the 2000s; a major breakthrough occurred in 2004 when a burst pipe led to the discovery of the road's wide stairs, an event that was followed by extensive archaeological excavations in the City of David site  <W2201>

• They took the journey very seriously and kept their focus on the Lord, examining their motives and hearts, looking to the Lord for His mercy

• Jerusalem is on a hill, so to go to Jerusalem, you have to ascend

• Like the Jewish pilgrims of so long ago, Christians need to look to God for mercy  <G73>

• What a privilege and joy to be servants of the Lord!  <R1795>

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** Blessings to those who contribute to the house of the Lord — both leaders and attendees

Psalm 134:1 NIV

[1] Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

Psalm 134:3 NIV

[3] May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

** Do not content yourselves with the lifting of your hands, but see that this be done with pure and holy hearts  <C34>

Psalm 134:2 NIV

[2] Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.