How does Psalm 135:19 connect with the call to worship in Psalm 100? Reading the Two Calls “O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!” “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is He who has made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” Shared Vocabulary—Blessing and Joyful Noise • “Bless the LORD” (Psalm 135) mirrors “Make a joyful noise” and “Serve with gladness” (Psalm 100). • Both verbs are imperative, commanding an active response of praise. • Scripture consistently treats “blessing the LORD” as verbal praise (Psalm 103:1). Thus, both psalms describe the same heart posture—outspoken gratitude. Shared Participants—From Covenant Family to the Whole Earth • Psalm 135:19 names the inner circles of Israel’s worship: – House of Israel (the nation) – House of Aaron (the priests) • Psalm 100 broadens the circle: “all the earth.” • Read together, the two psalms create a widening ripple: priests → people → every nation. Compare Isaiah 56:7; Revelation 7:9. Progressive Widening—A Single Flow of Worship 1. Priests lead (Psalm 135:19). 2. Covenant people follow (Psalm 135:20). 3. All creation joins (Psalm 100:1). This progression recalls Exodus 19:6, where Israel is called “a kingdom of priests,” and finds its New-Covenant echo in 1 Peter 2:9. Continuity in Covenant Worship • Both psalms root praise in God’s faithfulness: – Psalm 135 highlights His saving acts in Egypt (vv. 8-9). – Psalm 100 cites His steadfast love and faithfulness (v. 5). • The identical foundation—God’s covenant loyalty—shows that the call to worship is timeless and communal. Practical Takeaways for Today • Worship starts with those nearest to God (spiritual leaders) but is never meant to stay there. • Every believer now shares priestly privilege (Hebrews 10:19-22), so Psalm 135:19’s summons applies to the church as directly as Psalm 100’s. • Genuine congregational praise should overflow beyond the sanctuary to invite “all the earth” into joyful acknowledgment of the LORD. |
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