God’s abiding presence among believers is our unwavering anchor for worship.
The psalmist concludes this hymn with the words, “Blessed be the LORD from Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!” (v.21). In these words, we see an invitation for God’s name to be extolled right from the heart of Zion, and an acknowledgment that the LORD has chosen to make His dwelling place among His people. Zion here refers to a prominent hill in ancient Jerusalem, historically known as the stronghold of King David, who reigned over Israel around 1010-970 BC. It further came to represent God’s sacred presence amongst His chosen nation. By exhorting blessing from Zion, the psalmist highlights how worship in this holy city truly begins with God’s nearness and shines forth to all the earth.
When the verse declares, “Who dwells in Jerusalem” (v.21), it emphasizes God’s abiding presence among His covenant people. Jerusalem has long been revered as the central city for Israel’s worship, politics, and culture, a place that would eventually hold the temple built by King Solomon (who reigned approximately 970-931 BC). This temple served as the focal point of Israel’s sacrificial system, foreshadowing how God would ultimately provide salvation through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1). The call to praise the LORD in this verse reminds us that true devotion arises when God’s people acknowledge His supreme majesty and gather in perpetual reverence.
Finally, the repeated phrase, “Praise the LORD!” (v.21), concludes Psalm 135 with a final crescendo of worship. The psalmist has just recounted the greatness of God’s deeds, underscoring His unmatched power, His covenantal faithfulness, and His consistent care for His people throughout their history. In proclaiming praise from Zion, the writer points to the future fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His faithful in a redemptive way. Christians see a greater reality in Jesus, who identified Himself as the true Temple (John 2:19-21) and brought God’s manifest presence to humanity in an even more personal way.
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Psalms 135:21 meaning
The psalmist concludes this hymn with the words, “Blessed be the LORD from Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!” (v.21). In these words, we see an invitation for God’s name to be extolled right from the heart of Zion, and an acknowledgment that the LORD has chosen to make His dwelling place among His people. Zion here refers to a prominent hill in ancient Jerusalem, historically known as the stronghold of King David, who reigned over Israel around 1010-970 BC. It further came to represent God’s sacred presence amongst His chosen nation. By exhorting blessing from Zion, the psalmist highlights how worship in this holy city truly begins with God’s nearness and shines forth to all the earth.
When the verse declares, “Who dwells in Jerusalem” (v.21), it emphasizes God’s abiding presence among His covenant people. Jerusalem has long been revered as the central city for Israel’s worship, politics, and culture, a place that would eventually hold the temple built by King Solomon (who reigned approximately 970-931 BC). This temple served as the focal point of Israel’s sacrificial system, foreshadowing how God would ultimately provide salvation through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1). The call to praise the LORD in this verse reminds us that true devotion arises when God’s people acknowledge His supreme majesty and gather in perpetual reverence.
Finally, the repeated phrase, “Praise the LORD!” (v.21), concludes Psalm 135 with a final crescendo of worship. The psalmist has just recounted the greatness of God’s deeds, underscoring His unmatched power, His covenantal faithfulness, and His consistent care for His people throughout their history. In proclaiming praise from Zion, the writer points to the future fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His faithful in a redemptive way. Christians see a greater reality in Jesus, who identified Himself as the true Temple (John 2:19-21) and brought God’s manifest presence to humanity in an even more personal way.