“Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.”
O house of Levi, bless the Lord! You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord! This verse extends the call to praise to two additional groups: the Levites (the broader priestly tribe beyond Aaron's specific line) and those who fear the Lord (the righteous, pious community). The progression (Israel, Aaron, Levi, fear-ers of the Lord) moves from political entity to priestly specialists to spiritual orientation, suggesting that multiple forms of identity and commitment exist within Israel's community. The inclusivity of the call—encompassing every tribe, every specialist, every person of faith—indicates that praise is universal responsibility. The phrase fear the Lord echoes earlier usage, emphasizing that reverence for God is the foundation upon which praise rests. This verse completes the expansion of the call to praise to encompass the entire faith community.
Church Fathers on Psalms 135:20
1. Very pleasant ought it be to us, and we should rejoice because it is pleasant, to which this Psalm exhorts us. For it says, “Praise the name of the Lord” Psalm 134:1. And it immediately appends the reason, why it is just to praise the name of the Lord. “Praise the Lord, you servants.” What more just? What more worthy? What more thankful?...For if He teaches His own servants who have deserved well of Him, the preachers of His Word, the rulers of His Church, the worshippers…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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