What Does Psalms 132:18 Mean?

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 disappointment, humiliation, defeat - their plots fail and they're exposed. The contrast 'but upon himself' emphasizes difference between enemies' fate and king's fate. The promise 'shall his crown flourish' pictures the king's authority and glory increasing, spreading, thriving. 'Crown' (nezer) represents royal authority, honor, consecration. 'Flourish' (tsuts) means to blossom, sparkle, shine. The ending assures that God's anointed will triumph while enemies fail. Ultimately fulfilled in Christ whose enemies become His footstool and whose kingdom has no end.