Psalm 132:2 Kommentar

It is probable that this psalm was penned by Solomon, to be sung at the dedication of the temple which he built according to the charge his father gave him, Ch1 28:2, etc. Having fulfilled his trust, he begs of God to own what he had done. I. He had built this house for the honour and service of God; and when he brings the ark into it, the token of God's presence, he desires that God himself would come and take possession of it (Psa 132:8-10). With these words Solomon concluded his prayer, Ch2 6:41, Ch2 6:42. II. He had built it in pursuance of the orders he had received from his father, and therefore his pleas to enforce these petitions refer to David. 1. He pleads David's piety towards God (Psa 132:1-7). 2. He pleads God's promise to David (Psa 132:11-18). The former introduces his petition: the latter follows it as an answer to it. In singing this psalm we must have a concern for the gospel church as the temple of God, and a dependence upon Christ as David our King, in whom the mercies of God are sure mercies. A song of degrees.

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 132 A Song of degrees. Some think this psalm was written by Solomon, since Psa 132:8, are much the same with which he concluded his prayer at the dedication of the temple, Ch2 6:41; on account of which it is supposed to be written; though he might borrow these words from hence, as he sometimes did recite the words of his father, Pro 4:4. Others are of opinion that it was written by David, either when he brought the ark from Baale or Kirjathjearim to the house of Obededom, and from thence to Zion, Sa2 6:1; or when he had that conversation with Nathan the prophet, in which he expressed such a strong desire to build a house for God, Sa2 7:1; or, as Aben Ezra and Kimchi think, after he had numbered the people, which brought the pestilence on them; and when he and the elders of Israel were in distress on that account, and he was ordered to build an altar in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, Ch1 21:18; by which it appeared to him that this was the place for the house of the Lord God he had been so desirous of building, Ch1 22:1. It seems by Psa 132:6, that more persons than one were concerned in this psalm, at least the psalmist represents more; and Theodoret takes it to be a prayer of the captives in Babylon, and a prophecy of the Saviour of the world; and this is favoured by the Syriac inscription, which is, "an anonymous psalm, when they would build the house of the Lord of hosts; and a prayer of David, and a revelation of Christ.'' And certain it is that Christ is spoken of in it, if not principally designed.

How he sware unto the Lord, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob. Whom Jacob called so, Gen 49:24; and to whom he vowed a vow, and is the first we read of that did make one, and it was concerning the house of God, Gen 28:17; and who had an experience of the might and power of God in protecting and defending him from his brother Esau: of this oath and vow of David no mention is made elsewhere, but no doubt they were made; see Psa 119:106; of the Messiah's swearing, though upon another account, to whom this may be applied, see Isa 45:23. . Psalms 132:3 psa 132:3 psa 132:3 psa 132:3Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house,.... The new house and palace David built for himself after he came to the throne, made of cedar, Sa2 5:11; not that he should never enter into it till he had found a dwelling for God, but that he should not go into it with pleasure till that was done; for this and what follows are hyperboles, as Kimchi observes, and signify that he should have no peace nor satisfaction of mind till this was accomplished. It may be applied to our Lord's ascension to heaven, which was not till after he had purchased the church with his blood, which is the temple and habitation of God; nor go up into my bed; or "the bed that made for me" (r); the royal bed, a bed of down, with soft pillows, fit for a person of such dignity to lie down on. Ainsworth renders it "the pallets of my bed"; the phrase of going up agrees with the custom of the eastern countries, who have galleries in their chambers where they are set; at one end of each chamber in their houses there is a little gallery raised three, four, or five feet above the floor, with a balustrade in the front of it, with a few steps likewise leading up to it; here they place their beds (s); so that when they went to bed they might with great propriety be said to go up to it; but this David could not do with pleasure, so long as there was no place and habitation for God. (r) "lectum strati mei, vel stratorum meorum", Gejerus, Michaelis. (s) Dr. Shaw's Travels, p. 209. Ed. 2.

For what purpose? "How he swore unto the Lord, and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob" [Psalm 132:2]. Therefore remember for this, that he may fulfil what he has promised. David himself vowed as though he had it in his power, and he prays God to fulfil his vow: there is devotion in the vow, but there is humility in the prayer. Let no one presume to think he fulfilled by his own strength what he has vowed. He who exhorts you to vow, Himself aids you to fulfil. Let us therefore see what he vowed, and hence we comprehend how David should be understood in a figure. "David" is interpreted, "Strong of hand," for he was a great warrior. Trusting indeed in the Lord his God, he dispatched all wars, he laid low all his enemies, God helping him, according to the dispensation of that kingdom; prefiguring nevertheless some One strong of hand to destroy His enemies, the devil and his angels. These enemies the Church wars against, and conquers....

1-2. The pilgrim bands arriving at the sanctuary call on the priests, who (Psa 134:1-3) Lift up your hands--(Compare Psa 28:2).