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Psalm 134 · a question people ask

The LORD blesses people. How can people bless the LORD?

In the text

Psalm 134 uses one verb both ways, and the lexicons give both. Strong's gives barakh as "to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit)" (tap Praise). The psalm doesn't explain what blessing the LORD is. It shows people doing it: standing in the LORD's house by night, and lifting their hands: "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. Praise the LORD!" (134:2). Psalm 103 has the same verb when the psalmist speaks to his own soul: "Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2).

The verses

“A Song of Ascents. Look! Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the LORD’s house! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. Praise the LORD!”
Psalm 134:1-2 · World English Bible
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits,”
Psalm 103:2 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 134

Psalm 134: By night in the LORD's house

Psalm 134, the last Song of Ascents, calls all the LORD's servants "who stand by night in the LORD’s house" (134:1) to lift their hands and praise him. In Hebrew that Praise is bless, the same verb as the last verse's "May the LORD bless you from Zion" (134:3): the servants bless the LORD, and the LORD blesses, many called and one blessed.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions