King James Version
Psalms 132
18 verses with commentary
The Lord Has Chosen Zion
A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm opens with intercessory appeal: 'LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions.' The imperative 'remember' (Hebrew 'zakar') means to call to mind with intent to act - not merely recalling facts but responding based on memory. The prayer asks God to remember 'David' - the historical king and the Davidic covenant. The phrase 'all his afflictions' refers to David's hardships and sufferings ...
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(1) **Afflictions.**—The word so rendered is the infinitive plural of a verb, which in its first sense means to *declare *or *tell. *It is better to keep this meaning here, “Lord, remember David and all his declarations”.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 103 Psa 103:1-22. A Psalm of joyous praise, in which the writer rises from a thankful acknowledgment of personal blessings to a lively celebration of God's gracious attributes, as not only intrinsically worthy of praise, but as specially suited to man's frailty. He concludes by invoking all creatures to unite in his song.
**1. Bless, &c.--**when God is the object, praise.
**my soul--*...
Read full commentary →How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
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David's devotion is recalled: 'How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob.' The parallel phrases 'sware unto the LORD' and 'vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob' emphasize David's solemn commitment. 'Sware' (Hebrew 'shaba') means to take oath, make binding promise. 'Vowed' (nadar) means to promise, dedicate. The divine names emphasize God's covenant nature - 'LORD' (YHWH) is ...
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(2) **How he sware.**—Literally, *who sware. *The expression “Mighty One of Jacob” is taken from the patriarch himself (Genesis 49:24; comp. Isaiah 1:24, &c).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. forget not all--**not any, none of His benefits.
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed ;
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KJV Study Commentary
The oath's content begins: 'Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed.' This vow of self-denial expresses extreme determination. The double negative 'I will not...nor' emphasizes comprehensive refusal. 'Tabernacle of my house' means his own dwelling, personal palace - contrasting God's humble tent (the ark's tabernacle) with David's superior residence. The phras...
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(3-5) It is vain to search the historical accounts for this vow. It may be implied from 2Samuel 7:2, and from the persistent purpose which David certainly nourished. The LXX. and Vulg. give the vow in even greater detail, adding, “and rest to my temples.”
(3) **Tabernacle.**—We have in the mention of *tent *either **a **reminiscence of the old nomadic times of the race, or an allusion to David’s o...
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**3. diseases--**as penal inflictions (De 29:22; 2Ch 21:19).
I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
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KJV Study Commentary
The self-denial intensifies: 'I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids.' This continues verse 3's vow using even more extreme language. The parallel phrases 'sleep to mine eyes' and 'slumber to mine eyelids' are poetic variation emphasizing refusal of rest. 'Sleep' and 'slumber' (Hebrew 'shenah' and 'tenumah') both mean rest/sleep, used together for emphasis. This is hyperbol...
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(4) **I will not.**—For this proverbial expression see Proverbs 6:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. redeemeth--**Cost is implied.
**destruction--**literally, "pit of corruption" (Psa 16:10).
**crowneth--**or, "adorneth" (Psa 65:11).
**tender mercies--**compassions (compare Psa 25:6; 40:11).
Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. an habitation: Heb. habitations
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KJV Study Commentary
The oath's purpose is stated: 'Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.' The word 'until' provides the time limit for the self-denial (vv. 3-4) - ending when the goal is achieved. The phrase 'find out a place' means to discover, locate, secure a suitable location. 'For the LORD' indicates the place is dedicated to divine dwelling. The parallel 'an habitatio...
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5. By God's provision, the saint retains a youthful vigor like the eagles (Psa 92:14; compare Is 40:31).
Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
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KJV Study Commentary
The perspective shifts to finding the ark: 'Lo, we heard of it at Ephrathah: we found it in the fields of the wood.' The exclamation 'lo' calls attention to the discovery. The phrase 'we heard of it' suggests the ark's location was discovered through report or inquiry. 'Ephrathah' refers to Bethlehem's region (Micah 5:2; Ruth 4:11), David's hometown. However, the ark wasn't at Ephrathah but at Kir...
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(6) **Lo, we heard.**—This verse has been pronounced inexplicable, and yet the general intention is clear. The vow in which David declared his purpose has just been quoted, and that which is now said to have been heard and found can hardly be anything else than this purpose. In fact, the *feminine *suffix to the verbs points directly back to the word rendered *afflictions *in Psalm 132:1, which is...
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6. Literally, "righteousness and judgments," denoting various acts of God's government.
We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool .
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KJV Study Commentary
A call to worship follows the discovery: 'We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.' The plural 'we' emphasizes corporate action - not individual but communal worship. The phrase 'go into his tabernacles' (plural mishkenot) suggests entering God's dwelling place(s) - possibly the multiple chambers of the future temple or the ark's tabernacle David prepared. 'We will worshi...
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(7) **We will.**—*Let us go, *&c
**Tabernacles.**—Better, *habitation, *as in Psalm 132:5, where the same word is used. The plural occurs also in Psalm 84:1. These words do not, as the last verse, recall an incident of the past, but express the determination of the present. The result of David’s project is that the present generation have a place of worship. It does not detract from this explanati...
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**7. ways--**of providence, &c., as usual (Psa 25:4; 67:2).
**acts--**literally, "wonders" (Psa 7:11; 78:17).
Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
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KJV Study Commentary
A prayer invites God's presence: 'Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.' The imperative 'arise' calls God to action - moving from one location to another. This quotes Numbers 10:35 (Moses' prayer when ark journeyed), now inverted - instead of arising to scatter enemies, God arises to enter rest. The phrase 'into thy rest' (menucha) means resting place, permanent dwelling...
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(8-10) These are the words which the chronicler (2Chronicles 6:41-42) puts into Solomon’s mouth at the dedication of the Temple. Some think that they are there only as a quotation from this psalm, but the mode in which the words are here introduced points the other way. The psalmist does not at his distance from the events distinguish between David and Solomon. He merges the executor of the work i...
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8-10. God's benevolence implies no merit. He shows it to sinners, who also are chastened for a time (Ex 34:6).
**keep (anger)--**in Le 19:18, bear a grudge (Jr 3:5, 12).
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
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KJV Study Commentary
The prayer continues with request for priestly blessing: 'Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.' The phrase 'thy priests' refers to Levitical priests who ministered in God's presence. 'Be clothed with righteousness' uses metaphor of garments - priests literally wore special garments (Exodus 28), but here righteousness is their clothing. Righteousness (tse...
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(9) **Clothed with righteousness.**—The original is “salvation,” as below in Psalm 132:16, though the Hebrew word is slightly varied. This variation, however, is an almost positive proof that the psalmist, not the chronicler, is adopting words for his own purpose.
Possibly the priestly garments are mentioned, not only as symbolic of righteousness, but also as investing whoever possessed them, with...
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8-10. God's benevolence implies no merit. He shows it to sinners, who also are chastened for a time (Ex 34:6).
**keep (anger)--**in Le 19:18, bear a grudge (Jr 3:5, 12).
For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
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KJV Study Commentary
The prayer appeals to Davidic covenant: 'For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.' The word 'for' provides basis for the request - David's faithful service provides grounds for blessing his descendants. 'Thy servant David' emphasizes David's role as God's chosen, faithful servant. The plea 'turn not away the face' means don't reject or refuse - turning away one's face...
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(10) The most obvious construction of this verse is that which makes it an intercession, on the ground of the Divine partiality for David, in behalf of another prince—one of his successors—by the people at large. In the original (2Chronicles 6:42) it is of course Solomon who prays for himself; here (see *Introduction*) we must naturally think of one of the Asmonean princes. The expression “to turn...
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8-10. God's benevolence implies no merit. He shows it to sinners, who also are chastened for a time (Ex 34:6).
**keep (anger)--**in Le 19:18, bear a grudge (Jr 3:5, 12).
The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. body: Heb. belly
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KJV Study Commentary
God's sworn covenant is quoted: 'The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.' This verse begins divine response to the prayer (vv. 8-10). The phrase 'hath sworn in truth' emphasizes certainty and irrevocability - God's oath is absolutely reliable. 'In truth' means with faithfulness, reliability. The assurance 'he will not ...
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(11) **In truth.**—This is a possible rendering, but it is more impressive to render, *Jehovah hath sworn unto David. It is a true oath; He will not depart from it. *(Comp. Psalm 110:4.) The substance of the oath which follows is taken from 2 Samuel 7.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. great--**efficient.
If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
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KJV Study Commentary
A condition is attached to the covenant: 'If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.' The conditional 'if' introduces requirement for covenant blessing continuation - while dynasty itself is guaranteed (v. 11), individual kings' security depends on obedience. 'Keep my covenant and my testimony' require...
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**12. removed ... from us--**so as no longer to affect our relations to Him.
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
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God's choice of Zion is affirmed: 'For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.' The word 'for' provides explanation for why the covenant stands - God has chosen Zion as His dwelling. The verb 'chosen' (bachar) emphasizes divine election - God selected Zion/Jerusalem from all locations. The parallel 'he hath desired it' uses love language (avah) meaning to crave, long for,...
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(13) **Zion.**—The dynasty of David and the location of the sanctuary at Zion are intimately associated, as in Psalm 78:67-68. (Comp. Psalm 122:4-5.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. pitieth--**literally, "has compassion on."
This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's declaration of permanent residence: 'This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.' The emphatic 'this' points specifically to Zion. The phrase 'my rest for ever' (menucha ad) echoes verse 8's prayer - God answers by committing to eternal dwelling. 'Rest' implies settled, stable, permanent presence versus wandering (wilderness, ark's journey). The declaration 'here will...
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**14. he--**"who formed," Psa 94:9.
**knoweth our frame--**literally, "our form."
**we are dust--**made of and tending to it (Ge 2:7).
I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. abundantly: or, surely
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KJV Study Commentary
God promises comprehensive blessing: 'I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.' The phrase 'abundantly bless' (Hebrew 'barak abarek' - infinitive absolute) expresses emphatic, generous blessing. 'Her provision' (tsedah) means food supply, sustenance, provisions. God promises agricultural, economic blessing - abundance not scarcity. The parallel 'I will satisfy her...
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15-16. So short and frail is life that a breath may destroy it.
**it is gone--**literally, "it is not."
**know it no more--**no more recognize him (Psa 90:6; Is 40:6-8).
I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
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KJV Study Commentary
Spiritual blessing is promised: 'I will also clothe her priests with salvation; and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.' This verse parallels and enhances verse 9's prayer. The phrase 'clothe her priests with salvation' improves on the prayer's 'righteousness' (v. 9) - God will provide not just moral uprightness but salvation itself. 'Salvation' (yeshua) means deliverance, victory, rescue. Pries...
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15-16. So short and frail is life that a breath may destroy it.
**it is gone--**literally, "it is not."
**know it no more--**no more recognize him (Psa 90:6; Is 40:6-8).
There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. lamp: or, candle
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KJV Study Commentary
Davidic dynasty is guaranteed: 'There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.' The phrase 'there' connects to Zion (vv. 13-14) - in the place God chose. The metaphor 'make the horn of David to bud' combines two images: horn (qeren) represents power/strength (1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 89:17, 24; 92:10), while 'bud/sprout' (tsamach) suggests growth, branching, flou...
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(17) **Horn of David.**—The sprouting or growing horn is an image of young, vigorous life. (See Note, Psalm 75:5.) The Messianic application of this prediction comes out in Zechariah’s song (Luke 1:69).
**I have ordained a lamp.**—Or, *I have trimmed a lamp; *the word used in connection with the sacred lights, under the express charge of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 27:21; Leviticus 24:2-3). But wit...
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17-18. For similar contrast compare Psa 90:2-6; 102:27, 28.
His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with judgment and blessing: 'His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.' The phrase 'his enemies' refers to opponents of God's anointed king (Davidic descendant). The judgment 'will I clothe with shame' reverses the blessing of being clothed with salvation (v. 16) - enemies receive shame as their garment. 'Shame' (boshet) means disappointme...
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(18) **Crown** (*nezer*)*.*—As the distinctive use of this word in Israel—by its derivation meaning *mark of separation*—was for the golden plate, inscribed “Holiness to the Lord,” worn on the high priest’s mitre (see Exodus 29:6; Exodus 39:30), we cannot be wrong in seeing here a special allusion to the same. This allusion is rendered more probable by the use of the word rendered “flourish” (prop...
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17-18. For similar contrast compare Psa 90:2-6; 102:27, 28.