King James Version
What Does Psalms 132:10 Mean?
“For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.”
Psalms 132:10 · KJV
Context
8
Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
10
For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
11
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
12
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe 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 indicates rejection or displeasure. The phrase 'thine anointed' (meshiach - messiah) refers to David's descendant, the reigning king. Every Davidic king was 'the LORD's anointed' (1 Samuel 24:6; 2 Samuel 1:14). The prayer asks God to continue favoring Davidic dynasty based on covenant promises. This reflects understanding that God's relationship with current king depends partly on covenant with David. Christians see ultimate fulfillment in Christ, David's greater son, whose face God will never turn away.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
God established covenant with David promising eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 89:3-4, 28-37). Each subsequent king ruled under this covenant. The prayer appears to come from Solomon's era or later, appealing to Davidic covenant for continued blessing. Despite individual kings' failures, God maintained the line, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
Reflection Questions
- How does David's faithfulness provide basis for blessing his descendants?
- What does 'turn not away the face' reveal about the importance of God's favorable presence?
- How does the title 'thine anointed' anticipate Christ, the ultimate Anointed One?
- In what ways do believers appeal to Christ's righteousness when approaching God?
- How does the Davidic covenant demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsבַּ֭עֲבוּר1 of 7
H5668properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that
אַל4 of 7
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תָּ֝שֵׁ֗ב5 of 7
“sake turn not away”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
פְּנֵ֣י6 of 7
“the face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃7 of 7
“of thine anointed”
H4899anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 132:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 132:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge