Psalms 132:8

8 Arise, O Jehovah, to Thy rest, Thou, and the ark of Thy strength,

Psalms 132:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 132:8

Arise, O Lord, into thy rest
Which words, and what follow, were used by Solomon at the dedication of the temple; and with which he concluded his prayer, ( 2 Chronicles 6:41 2 Chronicles 6:42 ) ; and so may be a request to the Lord, that he would take up his residence in the temple built for him, where he would have a firm and stable place of rest; who, from the time of Israel's coming out of Egypt, had not dwelt in a house; but had walked in a tent or tabernacle from place to place, ( 2 Samuel 6:6 ) ; and that he would take up his abode in his church, the antitype of the temple, and rest in his love there, and cause his people to rest also; see ( Psalms 132:13 Psalms 132:14 ) ;

thou, and the ark of thy strength;
the Targum is,

``thou, and the ark in which is thy law.''

This is sometimes called the strength of the Lord; because by it he showed his great strength in destroying the enemies of his people, the Philistines and others; see ( Psalms 78:61 ) ( 105:4 ) . It was a type of Christ, who is the power of God, and the mighty God; and, as man, made strong by the Lord; and, as Mediator, has all strength in him for his people. And so the words may be considered as a request to him, either to arise and enter into his rest in heaven, having done his work of redemption and salvation here on earth, for which he became incarnate; or to grant his presence with his church, and take up his rest there, and give them spiritual peace and rest for their souls.

Psalms 132:8 In-Context

6 `Lo, we have heard it in Ephratah, We have found it in the fields of the forest.
7 We come in to His tabernacles, We bow ourselves at His footstool.
8 Arise, O Jehovah, to Thy rest, Thou, and the ark of Thy strength,
9 Thy priests do put on righteousness, And Thy pious ones cry aloud.
10 For the sake of David Thy servant, Turn not back the face of Thine anointed.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.