What happensPermalink
The psalmist calls on the temple servants—priests and Levites—to lift their hands in worship and bless the Lord, and then turn to bless the congregation in God’s name, offering a final blessing from the Lord and from Zion.
Why it mattersPermalink
As the last “Song of Ascent” (see Psalm 120), this psalm brings the pilgrimage to a peaceful close. The reciprocal blessing reflects the relationship between worship and grace: as the people bless God, He pours out His blessing on them. Lifted hands in worship (v.2) is a common posture of reverence (Psalm 28:2), and the final blessing reminds the pilgrims of Aaron’s blessing (Numbers 6:23–26) and God’s abundant blessings throughout Israel’s history—from the Exodus to the present, ultimately fulfilled in the heavenly Zion.
Key versePermalink
May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!