Bless thee out of Zion. ] As if they had said, "We will attend to your orders; go in peace, and may God shower down his blessings upon you!" The blessing pronounced by the priests was the following: "The Lord bless thee and keep thee! The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and he gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace!" Num. vi. 24-26.

ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FOURTH PSALM

In this Psalm the prophet: - I. Exhorts the Levites and ministers of religion to attend the appointed hours of prayer.

II. Then the ministers bless the people.

1. 1. "Behold, bless ye the Lord." 2. Yet principally, "all ye servants of the Lord:" Choose out of the people to this service.

3. "Which by night stand in the house of the Lord," &c.: In the temple ye ought not to be sleepy, or forget your duty.

4. Therefore, "lift up your hands," &c., before the ark of the covenant which was the symbol of his presence.

5. "Bless the Lord," &c.

II. The other part of your office is to bless the people; let not that be forgotten, but say: - 1. "The Lord bless thee:" Let them know from whom the blessing comes.

2. "Out of Zion:" So long as they remain in the unity of the Church; there was none to be expected out of Zion.