Psalms – Chapter 134

Old Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 134 opens with the words: "Alleluia. Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord:" The chapter centers on Pharaoh, Aaron and Jacob. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's kingdom and kingship. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Alleluia. Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord:

2You that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

3Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good: sing ye to his name, for it is sweet.

4For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself: Israel for his own possession.

5For I have known that the Lord is great, and our God is above all gods.

6Whatsoever the Lord pleased he hath done, in heaven, in earth, in the sea, and in all the deeps.

7He bringeth up clouds from the end of the earth: he hath made lightnings for the rain. He bringeth forth winds out of his stores:

8He slew the firstborn of Egypt from man even unto beast.

9He sent forth signs and wonders in the midst of thee, O Egypt: upon Pharao, and upon all his servants.

10He smote many nations, and slew mighty kings:

11Sehon king of the Amorrhites, and Og king of Basan, and all the kingdoms of Chanaan.

12And gave their land for an inheritance, for an inheritance to his people Israel.

13Thy name, O Lord, is for ever: thy memorial, O Lord, unto all generations.

14For the Lord will judge his people, and will be entreated in favour of his servants.

15The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the works of men's hands.

16They have a mouth, but they speak not: they have eyes, but they see not.

17They have ears, but they hear not: neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18Let them that make them be like to them: and every one that trusteth in them.

19Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: bless the Lord, O house of Aaron.

20Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: you that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.

21Blessed be the Lord out of Sion, who dwelleth in Jerusalem.

Important Verses in Psalms 134

Alleluia. Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord:

Psalms 134:1

For I have known that the Lord is great, and our God is above all gods.

Psalms 134:5

Sehon king of the Amorrhites, and Og king of Basan, and all the kingdoms of Chanaan.

Psalms 134:11

Blessed be the Lord out of Sion, who dwelleth in Jerusalem.

Psalms 134:21

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 134 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Pharaoh, Aaron and Jacob appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Alleluia. Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord:" It concludes: "Blessed be the Lord out of Sion, who dwelleth in Jerusalem. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Alleluia. Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord:" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 791).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.

People in This Chapter

Pharaoh1 mentionAaron1 mentionJacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

The late section of Psalms—Chapter 134 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights sacrificial love modeled on Christ, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 2683).

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 134 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 134 about?

Psalms 134 contains 21 verses. It opens with "Alleluia. Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord:" and closes with "Blessed be the Lord out of Sion, who dwelleth in Jerusalem. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 134?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Alleluia. Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 134?

This chapter mentions Pharaoh, Aaron, Jacob.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles