Psalm 134

“Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord!” Psalm 134:1 (NKJV)

The Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem never closed. There was no sign that hung in the window by the entrance with a little clock on it, the hands turned to a particular time with “Be back at ____ pm” scribbled on the bottom with a dry-erase marker.  No, the Temple was open day and night.  That meant that the Temple was fully staffed 24-7.  Because of the constant flow of ministry, the Levites who led the music were exempt from any other duty.

“These are the singers, heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites, who lodged in the chambers, and were free from other duties; for they were employed in that work day and night.” 1 Chronicles 9:33 (NKJV)

Today’s psalm, #134, was a shout-out to the Levites on the night shift.  Who knows if they were on a scheduled rotation or if the low-level guys had to work their way up to the day shift?  We just know that the worship music was more of a never-ending jam session.  Perhaps, some of the Levites dreaded the non-stop ministry pace. Most church staffers would.  But when the Babylonians destroyed the Temple, I bet they wished they had their old jobs back.  At least, it helps us to understand the depth of their great lament in Psalm 137 when the Levites who served in the temple hung their harps in the trees of Babylon because they no longer had a temple where they could serve.  

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” Psalm 137:1-4 (NKJV)

Since this is a Psalm of Ascent, it also helps to set context for the pilgrim who arrived in Jerusalem at 3 am.  There was nothing that delayed his worship.  He didn’t have to search for a Motel 6 or wait for the banks to open so he could exchange his tithe for the requisite articles of worship.  He and his family could go straight to the Lord!

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.” Psalm 134:2 (NKJV)

Imagine a packed Temple courtyard, day and night, with nothing hindering the people’s outpouring of thanks and worship!

“The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion!”  Psalm 134:3 (NKJV)

Again, we have a reminder that not only were the people of Israel welcome, but the maker of heaven and earth desired for all nations to enter and worship!  (Isaiah 56:3-8)