Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

Psalm 132. The theme of this royal psalm is God's covenant with the house of David (2 Sam. 7:4-16) to establish the dynasty for the good of the people and, eventually, of the world. Most of the psalm expresses confidence in these promises; the requests are for God to carry out his purpose (Ps. 132:1, 8-9). As a Song of Ascents, this psalm recalls how the dynasty of David is to ensure the stability of the realm, especially of Jerusalem (cf. the Davidic Psalm 122). In the era in which the Psalter was edited, the inclusion of this psalm in the collection shows the editors' faith that in due course God will renew the Davidic line (132:11-12).

132:1-5 Remember David's Service to the Ark. The psalm opens with a request that God will remember (see note on 25:6-7) all that David did to prepare the temple, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob (cf. 2 Sam. 7:2; 1 Chron. 22:2-19). Perhaps the other sufferings of David to retain his rule are included in the hardships. The prayer expresses the feeling that such sacrifice and hard work ought not go to waste.