Psalms 135:20

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 135:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “O house of Levi, bless ye Jehovah: Ye that fear Jehovah, bless ye Jehovah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

O house of Levi, bless ye Jehovah: Ye that fear Jehovah, bless ye Jehovah.
Psalms 135:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 135

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20O house of Levi, bless ye Jehovah: Ye that fear Jehovah, bless ye Jehovah.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Bless the Lord, O house of Levi, etc.] These were of the same tribe with the house of Aaron, but inferior ministers; they ministered to the priests, and had the charge of things in the tabernacle and temple; many of them were porters in the latter, and others were singers, and of these Kimchi interprets the words; whose work it was to give thanks morning and evening, and so are with great propriety called upon to bless the Lord, (<040306>Numbers 3:6-8 <132305>1 Chronicles 23:5,30); and may mystically design inferior officers in the church, who are helps and assistants to ministers in the government and discipline of it, and have the care of its secular affairs; and who, when they behave…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Bless the Lord, O house of Israel ... - This passage, also, is evidently an imitation of the passage in Psalms 115:9-13. The form in Psalms 115:0, however, is rather an exhortation to trust in the Lord, and an assurance that God would bless the classes spoken of, than a call on them to bless the Lord. Still the same classes of persons are referred to; the house of Israel; the house of Aaron; and those who feared the Lord. The passage needs no further illustration than what is found in the notes at Psalms 115:9-13. It is an earnest call on all classes of the people to bless and praise the Lord. It is language expressive of overflowing joy; the utterance of a heart full of exalted conceptions…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification