Behold, now praise the Lord

Song Meaning

This passage is a direct, urgent call to worship, immediately establishing a tone of reverence and communal devotion. The opening "Behold, now, praise the Lord" acts as a powerful, immediate command, drawing the listener into the sacred space. It’s not a gentle invitation but a declarative summons to acknowledge divine presence and power. The focus is squarely on the act of praise and the identity of those called to it: "ye servants of the Lord." The lyrics delineate a specific setting for this worship: the "house of the Lord," even "by night" and within its "courts." This suggests a continuous, unwavering dedication from the worshippers, who are present at all times, not just during designated services. The imagery of standing "in the house of our God" emphasizes proximity and intimate access to the divine. It’s a place of service and constant vigilance, reinforcing the commitment of the "servants." The central action described is the lifting of hands "in the sanctuary" as a gesture of praise. This physical act is directly linked to the Lord's creative power, the one "that made heaven and earth." The lyrics then pivot to a blessing, a bestowal of favor "out of Sion." This movement from human action (praise) to divine response (blessing) forms the core devotional arc. What makes these lyrics resonate is their unadorned directness and the profound sense of purpose they convey. The repetition of "praise the Lord" and the clear designation of worshippers as "servants" create a powerful, unified message of devotion. The invocation of the Lord as creator grounds the call to worship in an ultimate, undeniable authority, making the subsequent blessing feel earned and assured.