What does Psalms 135:20 mean?
"Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD." - Psalms 135:20

Psalm 135:20 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD." This verse is part of a larger psalm that praises God for his greatness and power and calls on the people to worship and exalt him.
The House of Levi was a subset of the Israelite tribe, who were chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle and later the temple. This verse specifically calls on the Levites, who were set apart for a special role in the worship of God, to bless the Lord and show reverence and awe for him.
The theme of this verse is the call to worship and to honor God. The psalmist is reminding the Levites, and by extension all believers, of their duty to praise and glorify God. This call to worship is not just a suggestion, but a command to recognize and acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness. The verse also emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord, which means to show reverence, awe, and deep respect for him.
In its broader context, Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise that extols the character and deeds of God. It reminds the people of Israel of the greatness of the one true God and the futility of worshiping idols. The psalm contrasts the living God, who is mighty and powerful, with the powerless and lifeless idols that are the creation of human hands.
Symbolically, the House of Levi can be seen as representing those who are called to be set apart for God's service. In the New Testament, believers are described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), indicating that all individuals who have been redeemed by God are called to be his servants and to worship him. Just as the Levites were chosen to serve in the temple, Christians are called to serve God in their daily lives and to offer their praise and worship to him.
The verse also highlights the importance of showing fear and reverence for the Lord. Reverence for God and acknowledgment of his sovereignty and holiness are recurring themes throughout the Bible. The fear of the Lord is not a paralyzing terror, but a healthy respect and awe for his power and majesty. It is a recognition of God's authority and a deep reverence for his character.
The psalmist's call to bless the Lord is a reminder that worship is an essential aspect of the believer's relationship with God. It is a way to express gratitude, love, and adoration for God. By praising and exalting God, believers acknowledge his worthiness and magnify his name.
In conclusion, Psalm 135:20 is a powerful reminder of the believer's duty to worship and honor God. It calls on the House of Levi, and all who fear the Lord, to bless and reverence God. The verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness and praising him for who he is. As believers, we are called to be a holy priesthood, offering our lives as a living sacrifice of worship to the Lord (Romans 12:1). This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the central role of worship in the life of a believer and the importance of giving glory and honor to God.
Have questions about Psalms 135:20?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 135:20 Artwork
Psalms 135:20 - "Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD."
"Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD." - Psalms 135:20
Psalms 135 : 14
"They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;" - Psalms 135:16
Psalms 135:15 - "The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands."
Psalms 135:10 - "Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;"
"Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;" - Psalms 135:10
"The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands." - Psalms 135:15
Psalms 135:16 - "They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;"
Psalms 135:2 - "Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,"
"Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:" - Psalms 135:11
Psalms 135:8 - "Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast."
Psalms 135:17 - "They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths."
Psalms 135:11 - "Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:"
Psalms 135:12 - "And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people."
Psalms 135:14 - "For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants."
Psalms 135:4 - "For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure."
Psalms 135:5 - "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods."
Psalms 119:135 - "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes."
"For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants." - Psalms 135:14
Psalms 135:19 - "Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:"
Psalms 135:18 - "They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them."
Psalms 135:3 - "Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant."
Psalms 135:21 - "Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD."
"Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:135
Psalms 135:13 - "Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations."
Psalms 135:6 - "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places."
"Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places." - Psalms 135:6
Psalms 135:1 - "Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD."
Psalms 135:9 - "Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants."