Psalm 135:20 underscores that all who love and revere the LORD—whether in priestly office or everyday life—should lift their hearts in humble gratitude and collective blessing toward God.
“O house of Levi, bless the LORD; You who revere the LORD, bless the LORD.” (v.20) is a stirring invitation for all who serve before God to exalt Him with reverential praise. The tribe of Levi, historically descended from Levi the third son of Jacob around the second millennium BC, was set apart for priestly duties during Israel’s formation as a nation around the time of the Exodus (circa 1446 BC). Here, the Levites are singled out because of their special commission to lead Israel in worship. This notion of being a chosen and treasured people reflects Psalm 135:4, where the LORD’s special relationship with His people is highlighted, linking the House of Levi’s call to bless God with the broader covenant promises made to all Israel, who are described as His “own possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:18).
As the verse continues, “You who revere the LORD, bless the LORD,” (v.20) it broadens the invitation from the priests to every true worshiper, emphasizing that anyone who stands in awe before God is called to honor Him. Though the Levites carried out unique sacred responsibilities, their example was to inspire the rest of the community to lift their voices in blessing the LORD. In the New Testament, this parallel is expanded when believers in Jesus are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), echoing the same idea that all followers of God—priests or otherwise—are entrusted with the privilege of offering praise to Him.
By summoning both the priests and the faithful to worship, “O house of Levi, bless the LORD” (v.20) points to the inclusive nature of praise, showing that consecrated service and humble reverence belong together as we declare God’s goodness. This theme resonates through Scripture, reminding us that genuine reverence should overflow into joyful, obedient worship.
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Psalms 135:20 meaning
“O house of Levi, bless the LORD; You who revere the LORD, bless the LORD.” (v.20) is a stirring invitation for all who serve before God to exalt Him with reverential praise. The tribe of Levi, historically descended from Levi the third son of Jacob around the second millennium BC, was set apart for priestly duties during Israel’s formation as a nation around the time of the Exodus (circa 1446 BC). Here, the Levites are singled out because of their special commission to lead Israel in worship. This notion of being a chosen and treasured people reflects Psalm 135:4, where the LORD’s special relationship with His people is highlighted, linking the House of Levi’s call to bless God with the broader covenant promises made to all Israel, who are described as His “own possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:18).
As the verse continues, “You who revere the LORD, bless the LORD,” (v.20) it broadens the invitation from the priests to every true worshiper, emphasizing that anyone who stands in awe before God is called to honor Him. Though the Levites carried out unique sacred responsibilities, their example was to inspire the rest of the community to lift their voices in blessing the LORD. In the New Testament, this parallel is expanded when believers in Jesus are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), echoing the same idea that all followers of God—priests or otherwise—are entrusted with the privilege of offering praise to Him.
By summoning both the priests and the faithful to worship, “O house of Levi, bless the LORD” (v.20) points to the inclusive nature of praise, showing that consecrated service and humble reverence belong together as we declare God’s goodness. This theme resonates through Scripture, reminding us that genuine reverence should overflow into joyful, obedient worship.