Bible Commentaries:What does Psalm chapter 132 mean?
Chapter Context
When Israel was taken into exile, everything associated with worship of the Lord was destroyed or confiscated (2 Chronicles 36:17–20). This psalm speaks of the ark (Exodus 25:10–22) and God's presence near it, so it was most likely written before then. This is one of the songs "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134) which were used during festival times (Deuteronomy 16:16). Verses 8–10 and 2 Chronicles 6:41–42 suggest this song may have been written to celebrate Solomon's dedication of the temple.
What does Psalm chapter 132 mean?
Judging by the content, this song was probably written before Babylon defeated Israel (2 Chronicles 36:17–21). The ark mentioned in this psalm (Exodus 25:10–22; 2 Samuel 6:1–4) is not seen again (2 Kings 24:12–13) after the exile (Ezra 2:1). Similarity to 2 Chronicles 6:41–42 may mean this song "of ascents" (Psalm 120—134) was composed in honor of the temple's first dedication.
The psalmist mentions David's struggles (1 Samuel 17:48–49; 19:1–2; 2 Samuel 15:13–14). The main emphasis is on David's enthusiasm for making a permanent "house of the L
ORD" (2 Samuel 7:5). David gave generously to this building effort (1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:3–5). However, it was his son, Solomon, who completed the project (1 Kings 5:3–5; 6:38). This is the only place which records David's vow regarding the building of the temple (Psalm 132:1–5).
The presence of God in Israel was centered around the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–16, 22). After being captured by Philistines and returned (1 Samuel 6:21), the ark was kept in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1–2). From there, it was moved into Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 6:16). When the temple was completed, Solomon had the ark moved there (1 Kings 8:1). Here, the psalmist prays that God would continue to bring His presence to the ark, and that the priests and people of Israel would continue to worship Him (Psalm 132:6–10).
The psalm ends with a reminder of God's promises to David. Those included the guarantee that David's descendants would be the rulers of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 89:3–4). God's choice of Jerusalem—also referred to as Zion—is celebrated. The song mentions the "anointed" (Daniel 9:25–26) who would come from David's line (Psalm 110:1–2) and rule over all (Psalm 132:11–18).
