Psalm 135:2

who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.

Study Bible

who stand in the house of the LORD
This phrase refers to the priests and Levites who served in the temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites. The "house of the LORD" is the temple in Jerusalem, which was the focal point of Jewish religious life. Standing in the temple signifies a position of service and worship, highlighting the role of the priests as mediators between God and the people. This service is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of believers as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), serving God through Christ. The temple itself is a type of Christ, who referred to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21), indicating that He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity.

in the courts of the house of our God
The "courts" refer to the various sections within the temple complex, including the Court of the Gentiles, the Court of Women, and the Court of Israel. These areas were designated for different groups, reflecting the structure and order of worship in ancient Israel. The phrase emphasizes the accessibility of God's presence to those who are called to serve Him. The courts were places of gathering, teaching, and prayer, symbolizing the communal aspect of worship. This setting foreshadows the gathering of believers in the New Testament church, where all are invited to draw near to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). The temple courts also remind us of the future promise of God's dwelling with His people in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3), where there will be no temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites where God's presence was believed to dwell.

2. The Courts of the House of our God
These are the outer areas of the temple where worshippers, including priests and Levites, would gather to perform their duties and offer sacrifices.

3. Priests and Levites
The individuals who served in the temple, responsible for maintaining the worship practices and rituals as prescribed in the Law of Moses.

Teaching Points

The Privilege of Service
Serving in the house of the Lord is a high calling and privilege. Just as the priests and Levites were chosen for this sacred duty, believers today are called to serve God in various capacities within the church.

The Presence of God
The temple was a symbol of God's presence among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live in a way that honors His presence within us.

Worship as a Lifestyle
Standing in the courts of the Lord signifies a life dedicated to worship. Our daily lives should reflect an attitude of worship, not just during church services but in all we do.

Access to God
Through Christ, we have direct access to God, much like the priests who served in the temple. This access should encourage us to draw near to God with confidence and reverence.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to "stand in the house of the LORD" in the context of your daily life and service to God?

2. How can understanding the role of the priests and Levites in the Old Testament enhance your perspective on serving in your local church?

3. In what ways can you cultivate a lifestyle of worship that extends beyond Sunday services?

4. How does the concept of being the temple of the Holy Spirit influence your actions and decisions?

5. Reflect on the access to God provided through Jesus. How can this truth impact your prayer life and relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 23:28-32
This passage describes the duties of the Levites in the temple, highlighting their role in assisting the priests and maintaining the sacred space.

Psalm 84:10
This verse expresses the psalmist's longing to be in the courts of the Lord, emphasizing the blessedness of serving in God's house.

Hebrews 10:19-22
This New Testament passage speaks of believers having confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, drawing a parallel to the access to God's presence that was once limited to the temple.