Psalm 132
BSB
The LORD Has Chosen Zion
A song of ascents.
1O LORD, remember on behalf of David
all the hardships he endured,
2how he swore an oath to the LORD,
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3“I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7Let us go to His dwelling place;
let us worship at His footstool.
8Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place,
You and the ark of Your strength.
9May Your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and Your saints shout for joy.
10For the sake of Your servant David,
do not reject Your anointed one.
11The LORD swore an oath to David,
a promise He will not revoke:
“One of your descendants
I will place on your throne.
12If your sons keep My covenant
and the testimony I will teach them,
then their sons will also sit on your throne
forever and ever.”
13For the LORD has chosen Zion;
He has desired it for His home:
14“This is My resting place forever and ever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired this home.
15I will bless her with abundant provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16I will clothe her priests with salvation,
and her saints will sing out in joy.
17There I will make a horn grow for David;
I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.
18I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but the crown upon him will gleam.”
Introduction
Psalms 132
It is probable that this psalm was penned by Solomon, to be sung at the dedication of the temple which he built according to the charge his father gave him, Ch1 28:2, etc. Having fulfilled his trust, he begs of God to own what he had done. I. He had built this house for the honour and service of God; and when he brings the ark into it, the token of God's presence, he desires that God himself would come and take possession of it (Psa 132:8-10). With these words Solomon concluded his prayer, Ch2 6:41, Ch2 6:42. II. He had built it in pursuance of the orders he had received from his father, and therefore his pleas to enforce these petitions refer to David. 1. He pleads David's piety towards God (Psa 132:1-7). 2. He pleads God's promise to David (Psa 132:11-18). The former introduces his petition: the latter follows it as an answer to it. In singing this psalm we must have a concern for the gospel church as the temple of God, and a dependence upon Christ as David our King, in whom the mercies of God are sure mercies.
A song of degrees.
Cross-references: 1Chr 28:2 · Ps 132:8 · 2Chr 6:41 · 2Chr 6:42 · Ps 132:1 · Ps 132:11