Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.
Arise, O Lord God, into thy resting-place. These words are not found in the record of this prayer in the First Book of Kings; but they occur in the 132nd Psalm, which is generally believed to have been composed by David, or rather by Solomon, in reference to this occasion. "Arise," is a very suitable expression to be used when the ark was to be removed from the tabernacle in Zion to the temple on mount Moriah. "Into thy resting place" - the temple-so called (Isaiah 66:1) because it was a fixed and permanent mansion (Psalms 132:14).
The ark of thy strength - the abode by which thy glorious presence is symbolized, and whence thou dost issue thine authoritative oracles, and manifest thy power on behalf of thy people when they desire and need it. It might well be designated the ark of God's strength, because it was through means of it the mighty miracles were performed, and the brilliant victories were won, that distinguish the early annals of the Hebrew nation. The sight of it inspired the greatest animation into the breasts of His people, while it diffused terror and dismay through the ranks of their enemies (cf. Psalms 78:61).
Let thy priests ... be clothed with salvation - or with righteousness (Psalms 132:9); i:e., be equipped not only with the pure white linen garments thou hast appointed for their robe of office, but also adorned with the moral beauties of true holiness, that their persons and services may be accepted, both for themselves and all the people. Thus they would be "clothed with salvation,'' for that is the effect and consequence of a sanctified character.