July 2, 2007

Text: Psalm 134
(Final Song of Ascents)

CALL TO BLESS THE NAME OF THE LORD
"Behold, bless the LORD,
All you servants of the LORD,
Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!"    Psalm 134:1

1. What is to "bless" the Lord?
a) An act of adoration

b) To praise

c) To salute

d) Interesting word derived from the noun "kneel"

2. Who are to "bless" the Lord?
a) All servants of the Lord

b) Specific reference to those who serve in the house of the Lord
    i) Levites
    ii) Burnt offerings day and night    Leviticus 6:8-13

c) Significance of the word "standing"

LIFTING UP OF HANDS
"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD"    Psalm 134:2

a) Phrase has two applications
    i) Literal (Psalm 28:2; 63:4)
    ii) Figurative (1 Tim. 2:8)

b) Practice
    i) Praise
    ii) Petition

c) Sanctuary
    Tabernacle/Temple