Note: This psalm celebrates the bringing of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem.
A song of ascents.
A. Prayer for David
132:1 Lord, remember [a meaningful word; how precious to be remembered by the God who casts our sins as far as the east is from the west] David and all his self-denial [the hardships he endured in the conquest of Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:6-12) and in bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem].
B. David’s Devotion
132:2 He swore an oath to the Lord, he made a vow [when making a vow to God, heed the caution of Ecc. 5:4-5] to the Mighty One of Jacob [cf. Gen. 49:24]: 132:3 “I will not enter my house or go to my bed [until the temple was built as per v. 5],
132:4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids [cf. Prov. 6:4],
132:5 till I find a place for the Lord [David had built temporary structure for the tabernacle but wanted to build a permanent structure], a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
C. David’s Concern for God’s Presence
132:6 We [David and his men] heard it in Ephrathah [vicinity around Bethlehem (Ruth 4:11; Mic. 5:2) or Kiriath Jearim (1 Chron. 2:19, 24, 50)], we came upon it in the fields of Jaar:
132:7 “Let us go to his dwelling place [Jerusalem], let us worship at his footstool, saying,
Note: Notice the ascent of this psalm: “We heard it … we came upon it … let us go … let us worship.”
132:8 ‘Arise, Lord [cf. Num. 10:35-36], and come to your resting place [Jerusalem], you and the ark of your might.
132:9 May your priests be clothed with your righteousness [“No garment is so resplendent as that of a holy character. … Whoever looks upon God’s servants should see holiness if they see nothing else.” (CHSpurgeon)]; may your faithful people sing for joy [“Holiness and happiness go together; where the one is found, the other ought never to be far away.” (CHSpurgeon)].’”
D. Prayer for David
132:10 For the sake of your servant David, do not reject [cf. Ps. 84:9 re: “look with favor on your anointed one”] your anointed one.
E. God’s Reward to David
132:11 The Lord swore an oath to David [see David’s oath to God in v. 2], a sure oath [God’s words are indeed trustworthy] he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne [David was concerned about establishing a “dwelling” for the Lord; the Lord was concerned about establishing the throne of David].
132:12 If [God’s promises are balanced by responsibility; David’s descendants must be loyal to God] your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.”
F. God’s Presence in Zion
132:13 For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying,
132:14 “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.
132:15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food.
132:16 I will clothe her priests with salvation [see v. 18 re: how God’s enemies are clothed], and her faithful people will ever sing for joy.
132:17 [a messianic reference as per Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist (cf. Lk. 1:69-75)] “Here I will make a horn [symbol of strength; cf. Ezek. 19:21 re the promise of the “sprouting horn” after the Exile] grow for David and set up a lamp [David’s dynasty like a lamp (cf. 2 Sam. 21:17)] for my anointed one.
132:18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”