Psalms 132
Summary for Ps 132:1-18: Ps 132 a This psalm celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness to David. When David wanted to bring the Ark into Jerusalem (132:1-5 b), the Lord granted the request and made Jerusalem his earthly home (132:6-10 c). The choice of Jerusalem marked God’s election of David’s line (132:11-13 d), of Zion (132:14-17 e), and of the priesthood (132:9 f, 16 g).Summary for Ps 132:6-10: 132:6-10 h These verses form a recollection of David’s moving the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:1-15 i) and of the Lord’s oath to David (2 Sam 7:4-16 j). 132:6 k Ephrathah is Bethlehem (Gen 35:19 l; 48:7 m).
• Jaar is the singular form of the plural “Jearim.” The Ark was at Kiriath-jearim for twenty years in Samuel’s time (1 Sam 7:1-2 n).
Summary for Ps 132:8-10: 132:8-10 o These verses are a quotation from Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple (2 Chr 6:41-42 p).
132:9 q The priests were to exhibit righteousness in their lives (132:16 r; Mal 2:6 s).
Summary for Ps 132:11-12: 132:11-12 t The Lord swore an oath to David (2 Sam 7:4-16 u): God’s promise is unconditional, but the covenant is not (If ... then). Those who break God’s covenant can expect the discipline of God’s judgment (see Ps 89:30-37 v).
Summary for Ps 132:13-17: 132:13-17 w The psalmist recounts the selection of Jerusalem and of the priests.
132:17 x anointed one: The ruler God chose and established (see Pss 1–8 y) would never cease to provide light for the Lord’s people. This light would burn continually (see 1 Kgs 11:36 z; 2 Kgs 8:19 aa; cp. John 8:12 ab; Rev 21:23-24 ac).
132:18 ad The adversaries will be humiliated, in contrast to the glorious king (132:9 ae, 16 af).
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