The Book of Psalms
Psalm 132
Psalm CXXXII · Vol. II, p. 1072
1 David, in his prayer, commendeth unto God the religious care he had for the ark. 8 His prayer at the removing of the ark, 11 with a repetition of God's promises.
aA song of degrees.
1 LORD, remember bDavid, and all his cafflictions:
B.C. cir. 1045.
a Ps.cxx.-cxxxiv. titles.
b Ge.8.1. Ps.25.7; 89.3,20,35.
c 1 Ch.xiii.xv.xxii.-xxvi., with 1 Sa.xvi.-xxx. Is.53.2-10.
4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah:2 we found it in the 3fields of the wood.4
2 Shiloh, Jos.18.1, or Bethlehem, Mi.5.2.
3 Kirjath-jearim, 1 Sa.7.1. 1 Ch.13.5,6.
4 The meaning of ver. 5, 6 is very obscure. Probably it is as follows:—The ark of the Lord was at a distance from the royal residence. When brought back from Philistia it had been deposited in a house near Kirjath-jearim. Whether it remained there stationary, or was occasionally carried about, does not appear. Eventually David prepared a splendid tabernacle on Mount Zion for it; and when he had completed the tabernacle he sent to bring the ark. The event is celebrated in this passage. The messengers sent to bring it, heard of it at Ephratah—not Bethlehem, but some other place of that name near Kirjath-jearim. The last clause of ver. 6 may be rendered, 'We found it in the fields of Jearim;' i.e. in a house within the territory of Jearim, though outside the town.—P.
8 Arise,j O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
j Ps.68.1; 78.61. Nu.10.35. 2 Ch.6.41,42.
10 Forl thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
l ver.1. 1 Ki.11.13; 15.5. 2 Sa.7.21. Ho.3.5.
11 Then LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; oOf the fruit of thy body6 will I set upon thy throne.
A.M. cir. 2959. B.C. cir. 1045.
n Ps.89.3,4,35. Nu.23.19. 1 Sa.15.29.
o 2 Sa.7.12. 1 Ki.8.25. 2 Ch.6.16. Lu.1.32,69. Ac.2.30.
6 Heb. thy belly.
12 Ifp thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
18 Hisx enemies will I clothe with shame: but yupon himself shall his crown flourish.
x Job 8.22. Ps.35.26,27. Re.19.17-20.
y Ps.72.8-10,17. Is.9.6,7; 32.1; 52.13; 53.12. Mat.28.18. Lu.1.32,33. 1 Ti.1.17; 6.15. Re.11.15; 17.14.
Notes
Ver. 1. (1) Some suppose this psalm was written on occasion of bringing the ark from Baale, 2 Sa. vi. (2) Others, from comp. ver. 8, 9 with 2 Ch. 6. 41, 42, suppose it written by Solomon for the dedication of the temple. (3) While A. Clarke supposes it written for the dedication of the second temple. On the first of these suppositions, it is impossible to reconcile ver. 2-5 with the history in 2 Sa. 6. 9-15. And as to the second and third, neither can be reconciled with ver. 18, in which David is presented alive; whereas, at the dedication of the first temple he was ten or eleven years dead. Are we not, therefore, to understand by 'David and his afflictions,' the beloved Son of God and his sufferings? with his covenant obligations not to enter into his rest until he had found, in the heart of every believer, a residence for the Father and the Son? Jn. 14. 23. C.
Ver. 6. We heard of it. That is, of a place for the Lord—at Ephratah; that is, Bethlehem Ephratah, where the prophet foretold that Jesus (the true and living temple) should be born, Mi. 5. 2; Mat. 2. 6.—Fields of the wood. Synonymous with Ephratah—an obscure village, situated in the midst of woods. C.
Reflections.—Great is the mercy to have fervent prayers of our own, or of our ancestors, lying before God's throne of grace. They shall receive a gracious answer at last. Lively and zealous saints can never be at ease till the ordinances of God be regularly and honourably settled, and his presence vouchsafed, to the comfort and edification of both ministers and people. However meanly the ark of God, or even Jesus Christ himself, reside for a time, its dwelling shall at last, and for ever, be glorious. Multitudes shall flock to it; and great fellowship with God shall be there enjoyed. Happy was David's family and kingdom on Christ's account: but infinitely happier in this is the family and church of God. In virtue of Jehovah's new covenant with him, his people are blessed with his presence, and with spiritual dignity, provision, salvation, and joy; while Jesus himself triumphs in everlasting honours, and unbelievers are reduced to disappointment, misery, and shame.