Psalms 135:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 135:21 mean?

Psalms 135:21 is a call to bless and praise the LORD, who is present in Zion and dwells in Jerusalem. The verse invites people to recognize and honor God's special presence in these places and to respond with praise.

The psalmist is speaking to the gathered worshipers, likely in the context of temple worship in Jerusalem. Zion and Jerusalem are highlighted as the central locations of God's presence with His people. The verse closes the psalm by directing everyone to give praise to the LORD, emphasizing both God's nearness and His worthiness to be praised.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 135:21

• Blessed (בָּרוּךְ, barukh): This word means to speak well of or to honor. Here, it is an invitation for people to express gratitude and reverence toward the LORD.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's covenant relationship with Israel.
• Zion (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): Zion refers to the hill in Jerusalem where the temple stood, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people.
• Dwelleth (שָׁכֵן, shakhen): This word means to reside or live. It highlights the belief that God’s presence is especially connected with Jerusalem.
• Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם, yerushalayim): The city where the temple was located, seen as the spiritual center for Israel.
• Praise (הָלַל, halal): This word means to shine or to boast, but in this context, it is a call to praise or celebrate God.
• LORD (יָהּ, Yah): A shortened form of God’s name, often used in songs of praise.

Why Psalms 135:21 matters

• Psalms 135:21 clarifies that praise is not just a private act but something to be done together, especially in the places where God’s presence is believed to dwell.
• The verse connects the act of blessing God with specific locations (Zion and Jerusalem), reminding readers of the historical and spiritual importance of these places in Israel’s worship.
• By ending the psalm with a call to praise, the verse ties together the themes of God’s greatness and faithfulness described earlier in the psalm, encouraging a response of worship.