Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three

Upon returning from captivity, the Hebrews took care to restore proper worship according to the law of Moses. A pious writer encourages the Levites and priests to worthily fulfill their duties of service in the temple. A form of this service should be also nighttime prayer before God, for which zealous service the Lord will reward those who honor Him appropriately (Ps 133:1-3). In the words “bless ... the Lord ... in the night,” calling for constant vigilance and glorification of God, lies the basis for its use in the midnight office.