Psalms 132 - Printer Friendly

Judging by the content, this song was probably written before Babylon defeated Israel (2 Chronicles 36:17–21). The ark mentioned in this psalm (Exodus 25:10–22; 2 Samuel 6:1–4) is not seen again (2 Kings 24:12–13) after the exile (Ezra 2:1). Similarity to 2 Chronicles 6:41–42 may mean this song "of ascents" (Psalm 120—134) was composed in honor of the temple's first dedication.

The psalmist mentions David's struggles (1 Samuel 17:48–49; 19:1–2; 2 Samuel 15:13–14). The main emphasis is on David's enthusiasm for making a permanent "house of the LORD" (2 Samuel 7:5). David gave generously to this building effort (1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:3–5). However, it was his son, Solomon, who completed the project (1 Kings 5:3–5; 6:38). This is the only place which records David's vow regarding the building of the temple (Psalm 132:1–5).

The presence of God in Israel was centered around the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–16, 22). After being captured by Philistines and returned (1 Samuel 6:21), the ark was kept in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1–2). From there, it was moved into Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 6:16). When the temple was completed, Solomon had the ark moved there (1 Kings 8:1). Here, the psalmist prays that God would continue to bring His presence to the ark, and that the priests and people of Israel would continue to worship Him (Psalm 132:6–10).

The psalm ends with a reminder of God's promises to David. Those included the guarantee that David's descendants would be the rulers of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 89:3–4). God's choice of Jerusalem—also referred to as Zion—is celebrated. The song mentions the "anointed" (Daniel 9:25–26) who would come from David's line (Psalm 110:1–2) and rule over all (Psalm 132:11–18).

Psalm 132:1–5 calls for remembrance of David's struggles (1 Samuel 17:48–49; 19:1–2; 2 Samuel 15:13–14). Most importantly, here, are his efforts to create a permanent house for God. This is a reference to the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–22; 2 Samuel 6:1–4). God denied David's request to make the building, saying that He would make David a house, specifically the kingdom of the Messiah. However, God also said that David's son would build a dwelling, and David made preparations for it (2 Samuel 7:5–16). Scripture does not record these exact words from David, but he was enthusiastic about the project (1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:3–5). David's son, Solomon, constructed it (1 Chronicles 22:8–10; 1 Kings 5:3–5).

Psalm 132:6–10 refers to the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–16). After being recovered from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:21) it was kept for many years at Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1–2), also known as Jaar. The reference to Ephrathah is unclear; it may be a poetic reference to the region around Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The prayer asks for the Lord to bring His presence to the people and righteous priests at the site of the ark.

Psalm 132:11–18 recalls the Lord's promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12). These include a guarantee that David's descendants would occupy the throne of Israel (Psalm 89:3–4). Once the ark was placed in the temple (1 Kings 8:1), that became identified as God's "house" (1 Kings 6:37; 9:10). Zion took on use as a second name for Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:7; 2 Kings 9:28; Isaiah 2:3). The psalm anticipates the "anointed one" (Daniel 9:25) who would bring salvation (Luke 1:69).

David vowed to create a permanent home for the Lord. This involved the ark of the covenant, which was eventually placed in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:1). God vowed that David's descendants would be the kings of Israel. The Lord also chose Jerusalem—sometimes referred to as "Zion"—as the symbolic seat of His power. From David's line, the Lord would produce an "anointed one" (Daniel 9:25–26), also called "Messiah."

When Israel was taken into exile, everything associated with worship of the Lord was destroyed or confiscated (2 Chronicles 36:17–20). This psalm speaks of the ark (Exodus 25:10–22) and God's presence near it, so it was most likely written before then. This is one of the songs "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134) which were used during festival times (Deuteronomy 16:16). Verses 8–10 and 2 Chronicles 6:41–42 suggest this song may have been written to celebrate Solomon's dedication of the temple.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.