Psalms 134 · The Lantern

A Song of Ascents. Behold, bless ye HaShem, all ye servants of HaShem, that stand in the house of HaShem in the night seasons.

Sitting we speak against others, but standing up we praise the Lord, as it is said; "Behold now, praise the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord; ye that stand in the house of the Lord." He who sits, to speak of the habit of the body, is, as it were, dissolved by ease, and relaxes the energy of his mind.

It seems to have stopped here: but see the increase. It is not enough only to be a servant of the Lord, unless the servants themselves also stand. For there are some who stand, others who fall, others who sit, others who lie down. Therefore those who fall, who sit, who lie down—they cannot praise the Lord: you who stand, praise him.

But notice what "Lift up" means: "Give alms more generously," for the Lord not only demands pious words from us, but also deeds. He added, "in the sanctuary," so that the hand of a Christian may produce the alms.

Lift up your hands to the sanctuary, and bless ye HaShem.

HaShem bless thee out of Zion; even He that made heaven and earth.

Psalms134