United Commentaries

Ps.120.1-134.3

These short, appealing songs were sung during pilgrims’ journeys to Jerusalem for the national festivals three times per year (Deut 16:16). The title of these psalms includes the Hebrew word for stairs, which some take to mean “ascending to Jerusalem.” These psalms (sometimes called the Songs of Ascents) take the reader on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel throughout history.

Ps.132.1-18

This psalm celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness to David. When David wanted to bring the Ark into Jerusalem (132:1-5), the Lord granted the request and made Jerusalem his earthly home (132:6-10). The choice of Jerusalem marked God’s election of David’s line (132:11-13), of Zion (132:14-17), and of the priesthood (132:9, 16).

Ps.132.6-10

These verses form a recollection of David’s moving the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:1-15) and of the Lord’s oath to David (2 Sam 7:4-16).

Ps.132.6

Ephrathah is Bethlehem (Gen 35:19; 48:7).

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).

Ps.132.8-10

These verses are a quotation from Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple (2 Chr 6:41-42).

Ps.132.9

The priests were to exhibit righteousness in their lives (132:16; Mal 2:6).

Ps.132.11-12

The Lord swore an oath to David (2 Sam 7:4-16): 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).

Ps.132.13-17

The psalmist recounts the selection of Jerusalem and of the priests.

Ps.132.17

anointed one: The ruler God chose and established (see Pss 1–8) would never cease to provide light for the Lord’s people. This light would burn continually (see 1 Kgs 11:36; 2 Kgs 8:19; cp. John 8:12; Rev 21:23-24).

Ps.132.18

The adversaries will be humiliated, in contrast to the glorious king (132:9, 16).