Psalms 132
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Psalms 132
LORD, Remember David
1Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 132
Psa 132:1-18. The writer, perhaps Solomon (compare Psa 132:8, 9), after relating David's pious zeal for God's service, pleads for the fulfilment of the promise (2Sa 7:16), which, providing for a perpetuation of David's kingdom, involved that of God's right worship and the establishment of the greater and spiritual kingdom of David's greater Son. Of Him and His kingdom both the temple and its worship, and the kings and kingdom of Judah, were types. The congruity of such a topic with the tenor of this series of Psalms is obvious.
1-5. This vow is not elsewhere recorded. It expresses, in strong language, David's intense desire to see the establishment of God's worship as well as of His kingdom.
remember David--literally, "remember for David," that is, all his troubles and anxieties on the matter.
PSALM 132
Psa 132:1-18. The writer, perhaps Solomon (compare Psa 132:8, 9), after relating David's pious zeal for God's service, pleads for the fulfilment of the promise (2Sa 7:16), which, providing for a perpetuation of David's kingdom, involved that of God's right worship and the establishment of the greater and spiritual kingdom of David's greater Son. Of Him and His kingdom both the temple and its worship, and the kings and kingdom of Judah, were types. The congruity of such a topic with the tenor of this series of Psalms is obvious.
1-5. This vow is not elsewhere recorded. It expresses, in strong language, David's intense desire to see the establishment of God's worship as well as of His kingdom.
remember David--literally, "remember for David," that is, all his troubles and anxieties on the matter.
The Pulpit Commentary
David's abasement and vow to God. The historical books give no account of this vow, which, however, may have been recorded in one or other of the lost compositions spoken of so frequently in Chronicles (1Ch_29:29; 2Ch_9:29; 2Ch_16:11, etc.).
Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions; rather, remember to David all his affliction; i.e. reckon it to him, and reward him for it. The "affliction" intended is the distress that David felt at the thought that, while he dwelt in a house of cedar, the ark of God was only lodged within curtains (2Sa_7:2).
David's abasement and vow to God. The historical books give no account of this vow, which, however, may have been recorded in one or other of the lost compositions spoken of so frequently in Chronicles (1Ch_29:29; 2Ch_9:29; 2Ch_16:11, etc.).
Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions; rather, remember to David all his affliction; i.e. reckon it to him, and reward him for it. The "affliction" intended is the distress that David felt at the thought that, while he dwelt in a house of cedar, the ark of God was only lodged within curtains (2Sa_7:2).
2How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
The Pulpit Commentary
How he sware unto the Lord (see the comment on Psa_132:1-5). And vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; rather, the Mighty One of Jacob (see Gen_49:24; Isa_60:16).
How he sware unto the Lord (see the comment on Psa_132:1-5). And vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; rather, the Mighty One of Jacob (see Gen_49:24; Isa_60:16).
3Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
The Pulpit Commentary
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house. I will not take up my abode quietly and comfortably in my own solid and substantial house (see 2Sa_5:11). Nor go up into my bed. Indulge, i.e; in luxurious repose. (Fur a contrary feeling on the part of some Israelites, see Hag_1:4.)
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house. I will not take up my abode quietly and comfortably in my own solid and substantial house (see 2Sa_5:11). Nor go up into my bed. Indulge, i.e; in luxurious repose. (Fur a contrary feeling on the part of some Israelites, see Hag_1:4.)
4I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
The Pulpit Commentary
I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to my eyelids. Exegetical of the last clause of Psa_132:3.
I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to my eyelids. Exegetical of the last clause of Psa_132:3.
5Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
The Pulpit Commentary
Until I find out a place for the Lord. The "place" which David desired to "find" was a permanent resting-place for the ark of God, which he had already "brought up from the house of Obed-Edom into the city of David with gladness" (2Sa_6:12), but which he had only established in a temporary abode of the nature of a tent, or tabernacle (2Sa_6:17). God approved David's zeal, but did not allow him to accomplish his design (2Sa_7:5-16). An habitation for the mighty God of Jacob; rather, the Mighty One of Jacob (comp. Psa_132:2 and the comment ad loc.).
Until I find out a place for the Lord. The "place" which David desired to "find" was a permanent resting-place for the ark of God, which he had already "brought up from the house of Obed-Edom into the city of David with gladness" (2Sa_6:12), but which he had only established in a temporary abode of the nature of a tent, or tabernacle (2Sa_6:17). God approved David's zeal, but did not allow him to accomplish his design (2Sa_7:5-16). An habitation for the mighty God of Jacob; rather, the Mighty One of Jacob (comp. Psa_132:2 and the comment ad loc.).
6Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. These may be the "words of David" and his pious friends, who,
at Ephratah--or Beth-lehem (Ge 48:7), where he once lived, may have heard of the ark, which he found for the first time
in the fields of the wood--or, Jair, or Kirjath-jearim ("City of woods") (1Sa 7:1; 2Sa 6:3, 4), whence it was brought to Zion.
6. These may be the "words of David" and his pious friends, who,
at Ephratah--or Beth-lehem (Ge 48:7), where he once lived, may have heard of the ark, which he found for the first time
in the fields of the wood--or, Jair, or Kirjath-jearim ("City of woods") (1Sa 7:1; 2Sa 6:3, 4), whence it was brought to Zion.
The Pulpit Commentary
The realization of David's design. The resting-place is, after a time, discovered and prepared. The ark is brought up and placed in it (1Ki_8:1-11). The "priests" are" clothed with righteousness," and the "saints shout for joy." God "turns not away the face of his anointed," but accepts the costly offering. God himself "arises into his rest," and makes his presence visible from the mercy-seat (1Ki_8:10, 1Ki_8:11; 2Ch_5:13, 2Ch_5:14).
Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah. "It" is probably "the ark"—not yet mentioned, but a main object of the writer's thoughts; and "Ephratah" is the district south and west of Jerusalem, in which both Bethlehem and Kirjath-jearim were situated. And found it in the fields of the wood; rather, in the fields of Jaar. "Jaar" is a contracted and poetic name for Kirjath-jearim, where the ark remained from its return out of the country of the Philistines till David transferred it to Jerusalem (1Ch_13:5-13).
The realization of David's design. The resting-place is, after a time, discovered and prepared. The ark is brought up and placed in it (1Ki_8:1-11). The "priests" are" clothed with righteousness," and the "saints shout for joy." God "turns not away the face of his anointed," but accepts the costly offering. God himself "arises into his rest," and makes his presence visible from the mercy-seat (1Ki_8:10, 1Ki_8:11; 2Ch_5:13, 2Ch_5:14).
Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah. "It" is probably "the ark"—not yet mentioned, but a main object of the writer's thoughts; and "Ephratah" is the district south and west of Jerusalem, in which both Bethlehem and Kirjath-jearim were situated. And found it in the fields of the wood; rather, in the fields of Jaar. "Jaar" is a contracted and poetic name for Kirjath-jearim, where the ark remained from its return out of the country of the Philistines till David transferred it to Jerusalem (1Ch_13:5-13).
7We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. The purpose of engaging in God's worship is avowed.
7. The purpose of engaging in God's worship is avowed.
The Pulpit Commentary
We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool. The transfer is regarded as accomplished, and the worship as re-established, which had been intermitted while the ark was at Kirjath-jearim.
We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool. The transfer is regarded as accomplished, and the worship as re-established, which had been intermitted while the ark was at Kirjath-jearim.
8Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8-9. The solemn entry of the ark, symbolical of God's presence and power, with the attending priests, into the sanctuary, is proclaimed in the words used by Solomon (2Ch 6:41).
8-9. The solemn entry of the ark, symbolical of God's presence and power, with the attending priests, into the sanctuary, is proclaimed in the words used by Solomon (2Ch 6:41).
The Pulpit Commentary
Arise, O Lord, into thy rest. Another transfer, but into the place of final "rest." The words are a quotation from 2Ch_8:1-18 :41, and were uttered originally by Solomon at the close of his long dedication prayer. Thou, and the ark of thy strength. The quotation continues. God is regarded as entering the temple, and taking possession of it, in and with the ark.
Arise, O Lord, into thy rest. Another transfer, but into the place of final "rest." The words are a quotation from 2Ch_8:1-18 :41, and were uttered originally by Solomon at the close of his long dedication prayer. Thou, and the ark of thy strength. The quotation continues. God is regarded as entering the temple, and taking possession of it, in and with the ark.
9Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
The Pulpit Commentary
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness. In 2 Chronicles the expression used is "with salvation"—salvation being the effect, whereof "righteousness" is the cause. And let thy saints shout for joy. 2 Chronicles has, "rejoice in goodness," i.e. rejoice in God's goodness to them. There is no other sufficient reason for great joy.
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness. In 2 Chronicles the expression used is "with salvation"—salvation being the effect, whereof "righteousness" is the cause. And let thy saints shout for joy. 2 Chronicles has, "rejoice in goodness," i.e. rejoice in God's goodness to them. There is no other sufficient reason for great joy.
10For thy servant David’s sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10-12. For thy servant David's sake--that is, On account of the promise made to him.
turn ... anointed--Repulse not him who, as David's descendant, pleads the promise to perpetuate his royal line. After reciting the promise, substantially from 2Sa 7:12-16 (compare Ac 2:30, &c.), an additional plea,
10-12. For thy servant David's sake--that is, On account of the promise made to him.
turn ... anointed--Repulse not him who, as David's descendant, pleads the promise to perpetuate his royal line. After reciting the promise, substantially from 2Sa 7:12-16 (compare Ac 2:30, &c.), an additional plea,
The Pulpit Commentary
For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. Here the text diverges still more from that of Chronicles, which runs thus: "O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant" The meaning, however, is much the same in both passages: "For David's sake, to whom thou hast shown so many mercies, turn not away the face—i.e. reject not the petition, or the offering—of his representative."
For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. Here the text diverges still more from that of Chronicles, which runs thus: "O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant" The meaning, however, is much the same in both passages: "For David's sake, to whom thou hast shown so many mercies, turn not away the face—i.e. reject not the petition, or the offering—of his representative."
The LORD Hath Sworn in Truth to David
★11The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
The Pulpit Commentary
God's oath of promise to David. This passage is based mainly on 2Sa_7:11-16, but contains likewise expressions which seem taken from other psalms, as Psa_48:1, Psa_48:2; Psa_68:16; Psa_89:3, Psa_89:4; Psa_147:14. The chief promise is that of a special "fruit of his body" to be "set upon his throne" (Psa_147:11) and to reign in Zion forever (Psa_147:13, Psa_147:14).
The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David (comp. Psa_89:3, Psa_89:35). He will not turn from it. So it is said of another Divine oath, "The Lord sware, and will not repent" (Psa_110:4). Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne (see 2Sa_7:12; Act_2:30).
God's oath of promise to David. This passage is based mainly on 2Sa_7:11-16, but contains likewise expressions which seem taken from other psalms, as Psa_48:1, Psa_48:2; Psa_68:16; Psa_89:3, Psa_89:4; Psa_147:14. The chief promise is that of a special "fruit of his body" to be "set upon his throne" (Psa_147:11) and to reign in Zion forever (Psa_147:13, Psa_147:14).
The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David (comp. Psa_89:3, Psa_89:35). He will not turn from it. So it is said of another Divine oath, "The Lord sware, and will not repent" (Psa_110:4). Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne (see 2Sa_7:12; Act_2:30).
12If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
The Pulpit Commentary
If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne forevermore.
If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne forevermore.
13For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. is made on the ground of God's choice of Zion (here used for Jerusalem) as His dwelling, inasmuch as the prosperity of the kingdom was connected with that of the Church (Psa 122:8, 9).
13. is made on the ground of God's choice of Zion (here used for Jerusalem) as His dwelling, inasmuch as the prosperity of the kingdom was connected with that of the Church (Psa 122:8, 9).
The Pulpit Commentary
For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. Here we are brought back again to the temple. Zion, the city of David, was also "the city of the great King" (Psa_48:2)—the place where he had "set his Name"—which he was bound to protect and cherish. "As truly as God had chosen Zion, and made his habitation there, so certainly must he also raise up for David a branch, through which to his people concentrated there he will impart salvation" (Hengstenberg).
For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. Here we are brought back again to the temple. Zion, the city of David, was also "the city of the great King" (Psa_48:2)—the place where he had "set his Name"—which he was bound to protect and cherish. "As truly as God had chosen Zion, and made his habitation there, so certainly must he also raise up for David a branch, through which to his people concentrated there he will impart salvation" (Hengstenberg).
14This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14-18. That choice is expressed in God's words, "I will sit" or "dwell," or sit enthroned. The joy of the people springs from the blessings of His grace, conferred through the medium of the priesthood.
14-18. That choice is expressed in God's words, "I will sit" or "dwell," or sit enthroned. The joy of the people springs from the blessings of His grace, conferred through the medium of the priesthood.
The Pulpit Commentary
This is my rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it (comp. Psa_68:16).
This is my rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it (comp. Psa_68:16).
15I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
The Pulpit Commentary
I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. Literally, this seems to point to the blessing of abundance of food. Spiritually, it may be a promise of ample spiritual sustenance.
I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. Literally, this seems to point to the blessing of abundance of food. Spiritually, it may be a promise of ample spiritual sustenance.
16I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
The Pulpit Commentary
I will also clothe her priests with salvation (comp. Psa_132:9). More is pro-raised than was asked for. And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Here, too, the promise goes beyond the request in Psa_132:9.
I will also clothe her priests with salvation (comp. Psa_132:9). More is pro-raised than was asked for. And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Here, too, the promise goes beyond the request in Psa_132:9.
★17There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
The Pulpit Commentary
There will I make the horn of David to bud. The "horn of David" budded most gloriously when "a rod came forth out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch grew out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him" (Isa_11:1, Isa_11:2)—in other words, when Messiah appeared, and re-established the Davidian kingdom, which thenceforth has endured, and will endure for ever. I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. The metaphor is changed; but the idea is the same. Christ's coming shed a glory on David's house, and on the temple, and on David himself, such as had never previously illumined them. David is often promised "a lamp" (1Ki_11:36; 1Ki_15:4; 2Ki_8:19; 2Ch_21:7). In Christ the lamp was given.
There will I make the horn of David to bud. The "horn of David" budded most gloriously when "a rod came forth out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch grew out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him" (Isa_11:1, Isa_11:2)—in other words, when Messiah appeared, and re-established the Davidian kingdom, which thenceforth has endured, and will endure for ever. I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. The metaphor is changed; but the idea is the same. Christ's coming shed a glory on David's house, and on the temple, and on David himself, such as had never previously illumined them. David is often promised "a lamp" (1Ki_11:36; 1Ki_15:4; 2Ki_8:19; 2Ch_21:7). In Christ the lamp was given.
18His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
The Pulpit Commentary
His enemies will I clothe with shame. David's "enemies" are those who oppress his "Seed," and will not have him to reign over them. All such will be "confounded and put to shame" (Psa_35:4), "clothed with shame and dishonor" (Psa_35:26). But upon himself shall his crown flourish. The true and the final Davidic representative is Christ, who "remaineth a King forever" (Psa_29:10). On him his crown will ever flourish.
His enemies will I clothe with shame. David's "enemies" are those who oppress his "Seed," and will not have him to reign over them. All such will be "confounded and put to shame" (Psa_35:4), "clothed with shame and dishonor" (Psa_35:26). But upon himself shall his crown flourish. The true and the final Davidic representative is Christ, who "remaineth a King forever" (Psa_29:10). On him his crown will ever flourish.
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 132
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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