132:2-5This refers to David's desire to build the Temple. When David became king, he built a beautiful palace, but he was troubled that the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence among his people (Exodus 25:10-22), remained in a tent (2 Samuel 6:17; 7:1-17). This so bothered David that he couldn’t sleep until he corrected the situation. He began to lay the plans for the Temple to house the Ark. (Eventually the Temple was built by his son Solomon.) We must live so close to God that we become restless until God's will is accomplished through us.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 132
Psalm 132
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 983, 984
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
132Psalm 132
1and all that he suffered.
2He made a solemn promise to the LORD.He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,*
3“T will not go home;I will not let myself rest.
4T will not let my eyes sleepnor close my eyelids in slumber5 until I find a place to build a house for the LORD,a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”
6We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah;then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.
7Let us go to the sanctuary of the LORD;let us worship at the footstool of his throne.
8Arise, O LORD, and enter your resting place,along with the Ark, the symbol of your power.
9May your priests be clothed in godliness;may your loyal servants sing for joy.
10For the sake of your servant David,do not reject the king you have anointed.
11The LORD swore an oath to Davidwith a promise he will never take back:132:2 Hebrew of Jacob; also in 132:5. See note on 44:4.
“J will place one of your descendantson your throne.
12If your descendants obey the terms of my covenantand the laws that I teach them,then your royal linewill continue forever and ever.”
13For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem*;he has desired it for his home.
14“This is my resting place forever,” he said.“T will live here, for this is the home I desired.
15T will bless this city and make it prosperous;I will satisfy its poor with food.
16I will clothe its priests with godliness;its faithful servants will sing for joy.
17Here I will increase the power of David;my anointed one will be a light for my people.
18J will clothe his enemies with shame,but he will be a glorious king.”Theme: The joy of harmonious relationships.
Author: David
1 3 3 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.1 How wonderful and pleasant it is
Textual footnotes
- 132:13 Hebrew Zion.
Life Application Notes 3 notes
132:11,12The promise that David's sons would sit on Israel's throne forever is found in 2 Samuel 7:8-29. This promise had two parts: (1) David’s descendants would perpetually rule over Israel as long as they followed God, and (2) David's royal line would never end. The first part was conditional: As long as the kings obeyed God (“obey the terms of my covenant”), their dynasty continued. The second part of the promise was unconditional: It was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who reigns forever.
132:17,18The “increase” of David's power refers to one of his mighty descendants. David’s son Solomon was indeed a glorious king (1 Kings 3:10-14}; but these verses look ahead even further to another descendant of David, Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:17). The power, might, and glory of the Messiah will last forever.