Psalm 132:9

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 9. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness. No garment is so resplendent as that of a holy character. In this glorious robe our great High priest is evermore strayed, and he would have all his people adorned in the same manner. Then only are priests fit to appear before the Lord, and to minister for the profit of the people, when their lives are dignified with goodness. They must ever remember that they are God's priests, and should therefore wear the livery of their Lord, which is holiness: they are not only to have righteousness, but to bc clothed with it, so that upon every part of them righteousness shall be conspicuous. Whoever looks upon God's servants should see holiness if they see nothing else. Now, this righteousness of the ministers of the temple is prayed for in connection with the presence of the Lord; and this instructs us that holiness is only to be found among those who commune with God, and only comes to them through his visitation of their spirits. God will dwell among a holy people; and on the other hand, where God is the people become holy.

And let thy saints shout for joy. Holiness and happiness go together; where the one is found, the other ought never to be far away. Holy persons have a right to great and demonstrative joy: they may shout because of it. Since they are saints, and thy saints, and thou hast come to dwell with them, O Lord, thou hast made it their duty to rejoice, and to let others know of their joy. The sentence, while it may read as a permit, is also a precept: saints are commanded to rejoice in the Lord. Happy religion which makes it a duty to be glad! Where righteousness is the clothing, joy may well be the occupation.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 9. (first clause). The chief badge and cognizance of the Lord's minister is the true doctrine of justification and obedience of faith in a holy conversation: Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness. --David Dickson.

Verse 9. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness.

Holiness on the head,
Light and perfections on the breast,
Harmonious bells below, raising the dead
To lead them unto life and rest.
Thus are true Aarons drear, etc.

--George Herbert, 1593-1633.

Verse 9. Saints. If the very names given by God's prophets to his people are such as saints, gracious ones, merciful ones, surely his professed people ought to see to it that they are not cruel, not tender, or unholy. --William Swan Plumer.

Verse 9, 16. Let us notice the prayer, Psalms 132:9 , with the answer, Psalms 132:16 . The prayer asks in behalf of the priests righteousness: the answer is, "I will clothe her priests with salvation", i.e., with what shows forth God's gracious character. Caring for the interest of God, the worshipper finds his own interest fully cared for. And now, after spreading the Lord's pledged word ( Psalms 132:11-12 ) before him, the worshipper hears the Lord himself utter the reply, q.d., "I will do all that has been sought." --A. A. Bonar.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 9. Consider,

1. The importance of a righteous ministry in the church.
2. The connection between such a ministry and a joyous people.
3. The dependence of both on the gracious working of God. --J. F.

Verse 9. (second clause).

1. Saints.
2. Shouting.
3. Explaining -- "for joy."
4. Encouraging-- "Let thy saints shout."

Verse 9. (second clause). -- The connection between holiness and joy.

Verse 9,16. The Spiritual Vestry.

1. The Vestments:
   1. Righteousness; for which the costliest stole is a poor substitute.

b) Salvation: learning, oratory, etc., of small account in comparison.

1. The Procuring of the vestments:
   1. Must be from God.

b) Earnest prayer should constantly arise from all saints.

1. The Robing:
   1. By God's own hand!

b) Their beauty and power who are so invested.

c) The persons are "thy priests." --W. B. H.

Verse 9,16.

1. Priests and Saints.

1. Vestments.
2. "Hymns Ancient and Modern."
3. The Real Presence: God giving the garments and the joy.