Psalms 132

Ps 132 This psalm celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness to David. When David wanted to bring the Ark into Jerusalem (132:1-5), the Lord granted the request and made Jerusalem his earthly home (132:6-10). The choice of Jerusalem marked God’s election of David’s line (132:11-13), of Zion (132:14-17), and of the priesthood (132:9, 16).

132:6-10 These verses form a recollection of David’s moving the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:1-15) and of the Lord’s oath to David (2 Sam 7:4-16).132:6 Ephrathah is Bethlehem (Gen 35:19; 48:7). • Jaar is the singular form of the plural “Jearim.” The Ark was at Kiriath-jearim for twenty years in Samuel’s time (1 Sam 7:1-2).

132:8-10 These verses are a quotation from Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple (2 Chr 6:41-42).

132:9 The priests were to exhibit righteousness in their lives (132:16; Mal 2:6).

132:11-12 The Lord swore an oath to David (2 Sam 7:4-16): God’s promise is unconditional, but the covenant is not (If . . . then). Those who break God’s covenant can expect the discipline of God’s judgment (see Ps 89:30-37).

132:13-17 The psalmist recounts the selection of Jerusalem and of the priests.

132:17 anointed one: The ruler God chose and established (see Pss 1–8) would never cease to provide light for the Lord’s people. This light would burn continually (see 1 Kgs 11:36; 2 Kgs 8:19; cp. John 8:12; Rev 21:23-24).

132:18 The adversaries will be humiliated, in contrast to the glorious king (132:9, 16).