Psalm 132: Translation and Notes

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Psalm 132
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1 A song of the ascents. Jehovah, remember for David all his humiliation;
2 How he swore to Jehovah, vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3 I will not (if I) come into my house’s tent, nor go up on my bed’s couch;
4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, slumber to mine eyelids,
5 Until I find a place for Jehovah, tabernacles for the Mighty One of Jacob.
6 Behold, we heard it in Ephrathah; we found it in fields of forest.
7 Let us go to his tabernacles; let us bow down at his footstool.
8 Arise, Jehovah, 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 Jehovah hath sworn to David [in] truth; he will not turn from it: Of the fruit of thy body (belly) will I set upon thy throne;
12 If thy sons will keep my covenant and my testimony that I will teach them, their sons also shall sit upon thy throne for ever.
13 For Jehovah hath chosen (in) Zion; he hath desired [it] for his dwelling:
14 This [is] my rest for ever; here will I dwell, for I have desired it.
15 Her provision will I abundantly (or, surely) bless; her poor I will satisfy with bread.
16 And her priests I will clothe with salvation; and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
17 There will I make David’s horn to bud, I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
18 His enemies will I clothe with shame; and on him shall his crown flourish.
Notes on Psalm 132
“A song of the ascents.” The Anointed is here, typified by David and Solomon, to reign as surely as He suffered. His rest in Zion has yet to be accomplished. It is not the Father’s throne, any more than headship of Christ’s body, but the kingdom by and by, where and when the answers of grace exceed the desires of faith.