Psalm 135:19-21
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The verse calls out the "house of Israel" and the "house of Aaron," but it’s interesting that it doesn't explicitly mention the Levites here, even though other similar passages do. This omission might highlight that praise isn't just for the leaders or a specific tribe, but a call to all of God's people, encompassing everyone connected to His covenant.
O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD! O house of Levi, bless the LORD! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD! Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a section that contrasts the lifeless idols of other nations with the living God, this Psalm concludes with a powerful, three-part call to worship. It urges the entire nation of Israel, then specifically the priestly line of Aaron (and the Levites, as mentioned in some parallel passages), and finally all who revere God, to offer their praise and blessings. This crescendo of worship aims to solidify their devotion to the Lord, especially in contrast to the foolishness of idolatry.
We're called to 'bless the LORD.' But what does that really mean? It's not just saying nice things; it's an active response to who God is.
The Hebrew word translated 'bless' here carries a deep meaning. It's about acknowledging God's goodness, recounting His mighty deeds, and offering Him profound praise.
Acknowledge and Declare
When we bless God, we're recognizing His supreme worth and His active involvement in our lives. It's like a royal decree of His greatness, issued from our hearts and lips. This isn't a passive activity; it's a vibrant declaration of His majesty and love.
Reciprocity of Love
Think of it as a response to His blessings. God blesses us, and in turn, we bless Him. It’s a beautiful cycle of devotion, where our praise is a reflection of His grace poured out on us.
This verse calls out specific groups: 'the house of Israel' and 'the house of Aaron.' Why these particular people, and what does it say to us today?
This psalm is calling out the entire nation of Israel, represented by 'the house of Israel,' and specifically the priestly lineage, 'the house of Aaron.'
A Nation's Duty
The 'house of Israel' represents all of God's people. They were called to be a distinct nation, set apart to know and worship the one true God. Their very existence was meant to be a testament to His power and faithfulness, and blessing Him was their core calling.
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Priests and Ministers
The 'house of Aaron' refers to the priests who served in the tabernacle and later the temple. Their role was sacred – mediating between God and the people, offering sacrifices, and also leading the worship. They had a unique responsibility to bless the Lord, setting an example for all of Israel.
Relevance for Today
While the specific roles of the house of Israel and Aaron have passed, the principle remains. God calls His whole church, and especially those in leadership or ministry, to lead in praising Him. We are all part of God's spiritual 'house,' and we all have a role in blessing His name.
Understand the original words
barak · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew *barak* is a liturgical term meaning to praise, salute, or kneel before God. It expresses the creature’s recognition of the Creator’s majesty and signifies the act of giving back glory to the One from whom all blessings flow.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew *YAHWEH* (YHWH) is the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies His self-existence, eternal nature, and unwavering commitment to His people, serving as the name by which He is known in intimate relationship.
yare’ · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew *yare’* denotes a profound reverence, awe, and submission before the holiness and power of God. It is not mere terror, but a righteous posture that leads to obedience and wisdom, recognizing God’s rightful place as Sovereign.
barak · Hebrew Verb
Used to express adoration, worship, and reverence toward God, acknowledging His greatness, holiness, and sovereignty. It signifies the act of ascribing honor and glory to the Creator for His character and works.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name through which God makes Himself known and accessible in relationship.
Tsiyyon · Hebrew Noun
The holy mountain in Jerusalem, historically the site of the Temple, symbolizing the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. It represents the center of worship and the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth.
shakan · Hebrew Verb
To inhabit or remain in a place; in a theological context, it refers to God's presence among His people, specifically His covenantal dwelling in the midst of Israel.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Noun
The capital city of Israel and the site of the Temple, regarded as the city of God and the focus of His earthly rule. It serves as a symbol of God's sovereign presence and the destination of His worshipers.
halal · Hebrew Verb
A command or call to offer joyful thanksgiving and extolment to God. It involves declaring the excellence of God's character and His wonderful deeds to the assembly.
This passage directly parallels the exhortation in Psalm 135, calling on the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, and the house of Levi to bless the Lord, emphasizing the unity of God's people in praise.
Psalm 118:2-4This passage echoes the call to bless the Lord, specifically urging the house of Israel and the house of Aaron to declare His steadfast love, highlighting the enduring nature of God's mercy.
1 Corinthians 1:1-3This New Testament passage addresses the 'church of God' and 'those sanctified in Christ Jesus,' mirroring the specific groups called to bless God in Psalms 135, showing the continuity of God's people being set apart for His praise.
1 Peter 2:9This verse describes believers as a 'royal priesthood' and a 'holy nation,' conceptually linking to the 'house of Israel' and 'house of Aaron' in Psalm 135, underscoring that all God's people are called to bless Him.
ellicottPsalms 135:19: "Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:"
(19, 21) From Psalm 115:9-11 , with the addition, “O house of Levi.”
pulpitPsalms 135:19: "Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:"
Verse 19. - Bless the Lord, O house of Israel. The concluding strain corresponds to the opening one, and is a simple hymn of praise. Israel generally, the priestly order, the Levites, and the devout worshippers of God, of whatever class, are called upon in succession to praise and bless Jehovah (comp. Psalm 115:9-11). Bless the Lord, O house of Aaron (see Psalm 115:10, 12; Psalm 118:3).
The verse calls out the "house of Israel" and the "house of Aaron," but it’s interesting that it doesn't explicitly mention the Levites here, even though other similar passages do. This omission might highlight that praise isn't just for the leaders or a specific tribe, but a call to all of God's people, encompassing everyone connected to His covenant.
Following a section that contrasts the lifeless idols of other nations with the living God, this Psalm concludes with a powerful, three-part call to worship. It urges the entire nation of Israel, then specifically the priestly line of Aaron (and the Levites, as mentioned in some parallel passages), and finally all who revere God, to offer their praise and blessings. This crescendo of worship aims to solidify their devotion to the Lord, especially in contrast to the foolishness of idolatry.
Following a section that contrasts the lifeless idols of other nations with the living God, this Psalm concludes with a powerful, three-part call to worship. It urges the entire nation of Israel, then specifically the priestly line of Aaron (and the Levites, as mentioned in some parallel passages), and finally all who revere God, to offer their praise and blessings. This crescendo of worship aims to solidify their devotion to the Lord, especially in contrast to the foolishness of idolatry.
"O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD! O house of Levi, bless the LORD! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD! Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the…" — The verse calls out the "house of Israel" and the "house of Aaron," but it’s interesting that it doesn't explicitly mention the Levites here, even though other similar passages do. This omission migh…
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Last reviewed October 2026
