As the pilgrim and his family were ready to leave for home after the Feast of Tabernacles was over, they may have been near enough to the temple to have heard the voices of singing in the night from the Levities and priests. This final psalm of ascents or degrees, likely sung in the temple, was not a long, wordy psalm of blessing but simple, straightforward, and to the point. No doubt this was sung by everyone who heard it being raised, so with one voice from around Zion came the word, Behold, bless ye the Lord.” How fitting it is when the Lord’s people conclude a time of worship and remembrance to sing together in harmony words that exalt the name of the Lord.
True, the call went out to the servants (ministers) of the Lord who served in the temple to raise their voices in these words of praise, but it would be a call to those pilgrims who lived for the Lord and served Him in different capacities, where they lived to sing along with the temple servants. At the end of the time in Zion for the pilgrim, this final song would strengthen him for what lay ahead. Instead of suspicion, criticism, and malice from people where he lived when he left home for this pilgrimage, he is accepted, blessed, and has been a blessing to others – and can bless the Lord “in the sanctuary.” The pilgrim blesses and looks to God for a blessing upon him as he and his family leave for their home from the temple and Jerusalem.
The Lord blesses His people with whom He has made a covenant. There is an appeal with which this last psalm of ascents begins, and it ends with a blessing pronounced, likely from a priest, in response to the call to bless the Lord. Lifting up of hands was one of the ways a blessing was pronounced, but it was also to give evidence to the sincerity of praise to the Lord, not to man, nor to be seen of people. When God’s people are together, it is a sweet time of fellowship for them, unity, and harmony in worship and praise to the Lord. We must ensure we are at such places as often as possible and participate without worrying about what other people might say or think. When our hearts focus on the Lord, we can bless His holy name with confidence and joy. Heartfelt praise and worship are always ways to be a blessing to others.
Then, there comes a blessing from the Lord toward those who know and love Him. He blesses each individual, indicating He knows what is most needed by each one. His blessings often come from “Mt. Zion,” where He meets with His people. At that time, the servants in the sanctuary stood in their employment in that place. They didn’t sit whether they were on the day or night shift. Service of the Lord is ongoing even when it is simply standing guard and quietly waiting for the unknown. God’s presence is with His people. He does not abandon His own nor forsake them for a time.
Even though it may not have been active work, those on the night watch would be vigilant in their responsibility. Any work or service for the Lord we are privileged to do should be done heartily, reverently, and responsibly. It should be the best we can do, and we should do it with the attitude of glorifying God in the appointed task. From this place of sweet fellowship, the pilgrims left their homes, service, and labor. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
The shortened blessing of Numbers 6:22-26 would be the blessing of the priest who would speak for God. That blessing came from Zion, the Lord Himself, the Creator of heaven and earth. No higher source of blessing could come to man. It was at a time like this: “In the last day, that great day of the feast, [that] Jesus stood and cried, saying, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of His belly shall flow rivers of living water.’” Our journey may seem long, but how we rejoice when God’s people journey to the place of His name and find fellowship with God’s people, blessing from God through His word, through hymns of praise, and worship from sanctified people. These are the places of refreshment in the wilderness. When we return from them to our normal life routine, we can enjoy the effects of such holy convocations.
PSALM 134 THE LAST HYMN v.1-2. The Call to the Servants. “Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants…” v.3. The Response. “The Lord… bless thee…”