Psalm 134 explained: A Blessing for the Night Shift

Called to praise at night (v. 1)

This is the last of the songs pilgrims sang on their way up to Jerusalem, and it speaks to the temple workers on night duty. These helpers of the priests guarded the building and kept the lamps and altar fire burning, and here they are urged to fill those quiet hours with praise.

Raising hands in the temple (v. 2)

Lifting your hands was a common way to pray and praise in ancient Israel. The phrase can also be translated "lift up your hands in holiness," and some readers take the raised hands as an outward sign of a heart turned toward God.

A blessing in return (v. 3)

The voice changes and someone now blesses a single "you," though no one is sure who is speaking: perhaps a priest answering the night workers, or one person blessing each listener in turn. Zion is the hill in Jerusalem where the temple stood, and the blessing that comes from there is said to come from the maker of heaven and earth.

Key verse: Psalm 134:3

Something to think about

Whose quiet, unseen work keeps your life running, and how often does it get noticed?