GOD’S PROMISE
Psalm 132:1–14, 17–18
As humans we attempt to keep our promises, yet if we are honest, we often either forget our promise or we overpromise.
God always keeps His promises. Some divine promises, however, are conditional. We must obey before the promises become real in our lives and ministries.
God’s dwelling place (1–10)
Psalm 132 is one of the pilgrim psalms — songs of ascent, which include Psalms 120–134. These psalms were referred to as songs of ascent because of the steep walk uphill to Jerusalem. The 15 pilgrim songs were sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the three annual feasts — Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Psalm 132 celebrates David’s goal of establishing a place of worship for God. The psalm celebrates the place of worship and gives assurance to the Davidic dynasty. It begins with a cry for the Lord to remember David and to fulfill His promises to David and his oath. The seriousness of David’s oath is described in verses 3–5.
At this point in Hebrew history, David had a palace, but God did not have a house. David committed himself to not allow his eyes to slumber until he found a dwelling place for the Lord. The Israelites challenged one another to come and worship at the new house for the Ark of the Covenant and to worship at God’s footstool.
The Hebrew worshippers could only enter the outer courts. The psalmist prayed that the priests would be clothed with righteousness and the faithful people would shout for joy. In the Old Testament, clothing has significance physically, economically, socially and spiritually. The psalm affirms that worship begins before one arrives at the place of worship. The conclusion of the prayer requests that David’s prayer not be rejected.
When and where do you find it easiest to worship God? How do you worship God beyond what you do at church on Sundays?
God’s commitment (11–14)
In answer to the prayers of the people for His house, God conditionally promised David that the Lord would set an offspring of David as the ruler on the throne of Israel. In this section, “house” refers to the royal dynasty. Jesus fulfilled this promise as the Messiah.
God has no need to back up His promises with an oath. God will keep promises, but many of the promises of God to us in the Bible are conditional upon our faithfulness. God chose Zion — perhaps a reference to the fortified section of the city. Zion also may refer to the heavenly Jerusalem, according to Isaiah 40. God sits enthroned at His resting place and home.
How have you experienced God’s faithfulness to His Word?
The coming Messiah (17–18)
In the conclusion of the psalm, God promises that the Davidic covenant will be everlasting. God promised a horn for David. The horn represents power. The bigger an animal horn is, the more important the animal.
The biblical imagery describes powerful kings. This section describes several promises to a future descendant of David. A descendant of David will be victorious as a future king. The king himself will be a lamp to guide the people.
God will clothe the enemy with everlasting shame — a description of defeat. King Jesus, however, will wear a glorious crown. Ultimately, all of his enemies will be destroyed.
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
