Psalms 132:1-18 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

The pilgrims stand at the very entrance of the Holy City, and their song is one of strong desire, and equally strong confidence.

In the first part the desire is expressed (vv. Psa 132:1-10). It is for the fulfilment of the God-inspired purpose of David when, through affliction and at cost, he prepared for the building of the sanctuary. The idea of the Theocracy is in mind as they pray, “Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting-place.” Jehovah is to be the Centre of gathering, while around Him are priests and saints, and before Him the anointed King.

The desire is answered by the assurance of the fidelity of Jehovah to His word (vv. Psa 132:11-18). He has sworn to David, and He will not turn from it. The order is then set forth. The faithful Jehovah, the anointed King, the chosen city, the clothed priests, the rejoicing people, the established kingdom, Whatever were the circumstances of the writing of this song, its placing here is significant. The worshipping people are to be conscious of the true order of their life, and the true meaning of their approach. A spacious conception of the purpose of God is ever necessary to a true worship. Lacking this, the exercises of worship may easily degenerate into selfish formalism. Where it is present, every individual is enabled to contribute to the whole, that which makes for the complete realisation of the ideal.

Related Commentaries of Psalms 132:1

Psalms 132:1-18

1 A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:

2 How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;

3 Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;

4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,

5 Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitationa for the mighty God of Jacob.

6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.

7 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.

8 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy bodyb will I set upon thy throne.

12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantlyc bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lampd for mine anointed.

18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.