Psalms 132:1-5

Prayer for the LORD'S Blessing upon the Sanctuary.

1

A Song of Ascents.

1 Remember, O LORD, on David's behalf, All 1his affliction;
2 How he swore to the LORD And vowed to 2the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 "Surely I will not enter 3my house, Nor lie on my bed *;
4 I will not 4give sleep to my eyes Or slumber to my eyelids,
5 Until I find a 5place for the LORD, A dwelling place for 6the Mighty One of Jacob."

Psalms 132:1-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 132

\\<>\\. Some think this psalm was written by Solomon, since Ps 132:8,10, are much the same with which he concluded his prayer at the dedication of the temple, 2Ch 6:41,42; on account of which it is supposed to be written; though he might borrow these words from hence, as he sometimes did recite the words of his father, Pr 4:4,5. Others are of opinion that it was written by David, either when he brought the ark from Baale or Kirjathjearim to the house of Obededom, and from thence to Zion, 2Sa 6:1-23; or when he had that conversation with Nathan the prophet, in which he expressed such a strong desire to build a house for God, 2Sa 7:1-17; or, as Aben Ezra and Kimchi think, after he had numbered the people, which brought the pestilence on them; and when he and the elders of Israel were in distress on that account, and he was ordered to build an altar in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, 1Ch 21:18; by which it appeared to him that this was the place for the house of the Lord God he had been so desirous of building, 1Ch 22:1. It seems by Ps 132:6,7, that more persons than one were concerned in this psalm, at least the psalmist represents more; and Theodoret takes it to be a prayer of the captives in Babylon, and a prophecy of the Saviour of the world; and this is favoured by the Syriac inscription, which is, ``an anonymous psalm, when they would build the house of the Lord of hosts; and a prayer of David, and a revelation of Christ.'' And certain it is that Christ is spoken of in it, if not principally designed.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Genesis 49:24; 2 Samuel 16:12
  • 2. Genesis 49:24; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 60:16
  • 3. Job 21:28
  • 4. Proverbs 6:4
  • 5. 1 Kings 8:17; 1 Chronicles 22:7; Psalms 26:8; Acts 7:46
  • 6. Psalms 132:2

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Lit "come into the tabernacle of"
  • [b]. Lit "go up into the couch of"
  • [c]. Lit "Dwelling places"
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.