The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 132
In brief
Psalm 132 is a song of ascents. It recalls David's vow: he swore not to sleep until he had found a dwelling place for the Lord. The ark, found in the fields of Jaar, is brought to Jerusalem. God answers with two oaths: a son of David will sit on his throne, on condition that his sons keep the covenant, and Zion is his resting place, where he will bless her poor. Christians see in it an announcement of Jesus Christ, descendant of David.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Yahweh, remember David and all his affliction,
2how he swore to Yahweh, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3“Surely I will not come into the structure of my house, nor go up into my bed;
4I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids;
5until I find out a place for Yahweh, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah. We found it in the field of Jaar:
7“We will go into his dwelling place. We will worship at his footstool.
8Arise, Yahweh, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength.
9Let your priests be clothed with righteousness. Let your saints shout for joy!”
10For your servant David’s sake, don’t turn away the face of your anointed one.
11Yahweh has sworn to David in truth. He will not turn from it: “I will set the fruit of your body on your throne.
12If your children will keep my covenant, my testimony that I will teach them, their children also will sit on your throne forever more.”
13For Yahweh has chosen Zion. He has desired it for his habitation.
14“This is my resting place forever. I will live here, for I have desired it.
15I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16I will also clothe her priests with salvation. Her saints will shout aloud for joy.
17I will make the horn of David to bud there. I have ordained a lamp for my anointed.
18I will clothe his enemies with shame, but on himself, his crown will shine.”
Key verses
Yahweh, remember David and all his affliction,
The psalm asks God to remember David and all his hardships: we remind God of the efforts of his servant, and we lean on them in prayer.
until I find out a place for Yahweh, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
David puts God's presence before his own comfort. He wants no rest until the Lord has a place among his people.
Yahweh has sworn to David in truth. He will not turn from it: “I will set the fruit of your body on your throne.
God swears to David that one of his descendants will reign. It is the promise made in 2 Samuel 7, which the New Testament applies to Jesus.
For Yahweh has chosen Zion. He has desired it for his habitation. “This is my resting place forever. I will live here, for I have desired it.
God has chosen Zion and desires it as his dwelling. The place of God's presence comes from his choice, not from human effort.
I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Among the promises made to Zion, God will bless her provision and satisfy her poor with bread. He cares about those who lack.
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 132
What does Psalm 132 mean?
Psalm 132 links two promises: David's to God, as he seeks a dwelling place for the ark, and God's to David, promising him a dynasty and choosing Zion to live in. It shows that God responds to the one who puts his presence before his own comfort.
Why does Psalm 132 speak about the ark?
The ark of the covenant was the sign of God's presence. David found it at Kiriath Jearim (the fields of Jaar) and brought it up to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7 and 2 Samuel 6). The psalm takes up this event to ask God to dwell there, as in verse 8.
How can I pray Psalm 132?
Ask yourself what place you give to God in your schedule, in the light of verse 5. Then pray that your home and your church would be places where he lives. Thank him for the descendant promised to David, Jesus, and for his faithfulness.
World English Bible translation — public domain.