November 5, 2024
Does God keep His promise to David?
Psalm 132
Stephen Alcalan
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 132:11-12
The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:
"One of the sons of your body
I will set on your throne.
If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever
shall sit on your throne."
Psalm 132
The LORD Has Chosen Zion
A Song of Ascents.
1
Remember, O LORD, in David's favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2
how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3
“I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4
I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5
until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6
Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7
“Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!”
8
Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy.
10
For the sake of your servant David,
do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11
The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:
“One of the sons of your body
1
132:11
Hebrew of your fruit of the womb
I will set on your throne.
12
If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
their sons also forever
shall sit on your throne.”
13
For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14
“This is my resting place forever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15
I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16
Her priests I will clothe with salvation,
and her saints will shout for joy.
17
There I will make a horn to sprout for David;
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18
His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him his crown will shine.”
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Fact: Songs of Ascents
Psalm 122 is one of the 15 Songs of Ascents, which were sung by worshipers who were on their way up to the temple. It reflects the joy of seeing God’s chosen city, Jerusalem, and being in the house of God to worship. The Songs of Ascents include Psalms 120–134.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 132:1–5 The psalm opens with a request that God will remember (see note on 25:6–7) all that David did to prepare the temple (see 2 Sam. 7:2; 1 Chron. 22:2–19). The prayer expresses the feeling that such sacrifice and hard work ought not be wasted.
Ps. 132:6–7 The pilgrims come from various villages in Judah to worship at his footstool (see 1 Chron. 28:2; Ps. 99:5).
Ps. 132:8–10 The worshipers pray that God will be present in his chosen resting place. Imagining the scene in Jerusalem, the worshipers pray that Israel will be true to its calling. do not turn away the face of your anointed one. The worshipers pray that God would continue showing favor to David’s heirs, so that Israel would remain a secure home for the faithful.
Psalm Ps. 132. The theme of this royal psalm is God’s covenant with David’s house to establish the dynasty for the good of the people and, eventually, of the whole world (2 Sam. 7:4–16). The psalm expresses confidence in these promises and asks the Lord to carry out his purpose (Ps. 132:1, 8–9). As a Song of Ascents, the psalm recalls how David’s dynasty is to ensure the stability of the nation, especially of Jerusalem (compare Psalm 122).
Ps. 132:11–18 swore to David. This promise is God’s answer to the prayer of vv. 8–10. God promised to preserve the dynasty, and expects the individual heirs of David to be faithful to the covenant.
Ps. 132:18 These words, sung during the exile, declare by faith that God would again fulfill his promises and raise up a new David.
S3:218 Psalm 132
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 132
Psalm 132 is a song of ascents sung by Israelites on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem for one of the three annual Jewish festivals. Are you wondering what's worthy of them or us singing about in this psalm? Let's take a look!
In the first half (Psalm 132:1-10), the psalmist prays for God to bless them and to remember King David and his passionate vow to find a dwelling place for the LORD. David wouldn't rest until he found a suitable resting place for God. Lucky for us, we don't have to make a pilgrimage to a temple anymore to seek God's presence, because now our body is God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)!
In the second half (Psalm 132:11-18), God reciprocates those prayers with promises made to David—the most notable in Psalm 132:11-12 (the Davidic Covenant). God promised that He would preserve a dynasty in David's lineage ("house"), establish a people governed by a king in that line ("kingdom"), and grant authority for the king's rule ("throne") forever (2 Samuel 7:11b-16). However, we know that after King Solomon's reign, the kingdom was divided, most of the future kings were not righteous, and both Israel and Judah eventually fell. So, did God actually keep His promise to David? Can we trust Him to keep any other promise?
Yes and Yes! Although David's lineage didn't keep God's commandments, God would not forsake David (Psalm 89:30-37). God will ultimately fulfill His promise through Jesus as the Messianic King who will establish and rule an eternal kingdom!
At Watermark Health, we see about 10,000 patients yearly in our urgent care clinics, many who've traveled great distances, representing over 100 unique countries. We get to care for their physical healthcare needs and engage their souls with the love and power of Jesus with joy because of our hope in God's faithfulness. And it's in that same hope our patients experience healing in Jesus!
So, even when we face difficulties in life, not only can we sing about God's promises, but we can also find salvation, healing, and freedom in God's promise of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
This month's memory verse
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
– 2 Corinthians 9:7
Discussion Questions
1. Considering David's vow to God in Psalm 132:2-5, how passionate are you to seek and honor the LORD's presence? Does it make it easier or harder for you, considering God's dwelling place is now in you?
2. What's a story from a time when God's presence kicked off a turning point that led you through a trial in a miraculous way?
3. What promise of God can you "sing" about to give you hope and encouragement today? Need help? Consider these "assurance" verses:
- Salvation (John 5:24)
- Answered Prayer (John 16:24)
- Victory (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- Forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
- Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)
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