Thought for the Week
Psalm 132 is a reminder about promises.
The first promise in the Psalm is from David in verses 2-5, where he swears to God that he will not rest until he has found a dwelling place for the Lord. David’s level of effort and commitment is commendable. He is willing to deny his own physical needs, such as sleep, until he can be assured that a dwelling place had been provided for God.
The second promise, in verses 11-18, takes the reader back to God’s promises to David, in 2 Samuel 7. The verses reiterate how God has chosen to dwell in Zion, and how God will bless and provide for the people if they follow him. The Psalm also alludes to Christ’s future role as King.
Looking at our own lives, there are two similar promises that we should consider. If we are baptised, we have made a commitment – a promise – to serve and obey God. How much attention and effort are we giving to this promise in our everyday lives?
The other promise we should consider is God’s promise to us. He has given us an oath that He will send his Son to reign on earth, and reward those who diligently follow Him. We are blessed, as we can be reassured that our hope is a promise.
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” Heb 6:19 (NKJV)
WEEKLY READING
Psalm 132
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[a]
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.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place:
— Psalm 132:13
