ETB Psalm 132:1-14,17-18

Session 5: God’s Promise - p.42

Uncertainties often trouble us. While they can make us wonder how the future will be shaped, they also can cause us to waste valuable time worrying about the here and now. As we face uncertainties, though, we nourish a greater appreciation for the certainties that we can embrace. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Summer 2025]

Maybe that is why promises are valuable to us. They give us a since of certainty, even though they may not be.

State: Promises may come in many forms: “pinkie promises,” handshakes, rings, vows. They can be verbal, written, or inferred. But they all involve trust in the one making the promise.

Ask: How did you react the last time someone broke a promise to you? How would you respond differently now that you have had time to think about it?

Unlike the promises made to us by other that were broken for one reason or another, we can be certain that those made by God will be kept. He sees the fulfillment of them before He makes them, and His perfection would never allow His failure to keep them. This then should be an encouragement to us whenever we read them - like those in today’s Psalm.

Understand the Context

Psalm 132 belongs in the category of royal psalms. As the category suggests, royal psalms point to the kings of Israel. These psalms helped God’s people to celebrate the leadership of their kings and pray for their success. Some of the royal psalms included important decrees or testimonies that the kings made during their reigns. A royal psalm also could include a prophetic message of messianic hope. Ultimately, the prophecy came to be fulfilled in the arrival, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

This Psalm is designated as one of the Songs of Ascent (120-134). You may even have that notation your Bible’s heading. The reasons given in most of the materials I read varied and none were definitive. Here are a couple of the more prominent beliefs.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Psalm 120

These psalms were designed for pilgrimage processions to celebrate seasonal feasts in Jerusalem. The hymns contain numerous references to Jerusalem or Zion, the temple, Israel, peace, and adversity. The fifteen songs, adapted from ancient hymns heralding the blessings and salvation of Zion, may have been sung on the fifteen steps leading up to the temple.

The designation as a song of ascents may have also come from the way these psalms enabled the worshipers to express their joy. As they sang, the joy in their hearts ascended toward God. Consequently, their joy could be heard in the crescendo of their voices as they sang together. The longer they sang, the louder they sang. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

Although the Psalm appears to be one that all worshippers where to uses, it is written in a first-person perspective assisting any who sang to interact with God personally and individually.

The Psalm is full of petitions and promises. As we read through it notice how many promises are made by David and how many God makes.

Explore the Text

Psalm 132:1–5 ESV

Remember, O Lord, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured, how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, “I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

Remember, O Lord

God does not forget anything but sometimes we need Him to take action so that we can “see” that He is still sovereign over the things in our lives.

What are times or things that you have asked for God to “remember?”

In Lam 3:19 the writer asks for God to remember his own afflictions. This Psalmist makes a similar plea but for “David.” I find it interesting that the composed did not use any title, like king or lord, but just the man’s personal name. Calling out the names of other before God is an excellent practice for your prayers.

the hardships he endured

Depending on when this Psalm was written, the list may vary but what were some of the “hardships” that may be inferred here?

We usually want to God to “remember” and act on our behalf when in the midst of a hardship. The writer wanted God’s action to be one of mercy and blessed for David’s past hardships that he had already endured. And each time this was sung by those “ascending” to Jerusalem and the Temple, whether literally or in their heart felt worship, his name is lifted up to God along with all his descendants.

Can you think of anyone that could use an extra blessing or some greater mercy from the trials of this world?

Pray for them this week by name and ask God to “remember” them.

how he swore to the Lord

Ask: What does it mean to make an oath or a vow?

Is that something we should do lightly or flippantly?

What does Scripture say about making vows?

Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 “When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”

Numbers 30:2 “If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”

Matthew 5:33–37 ““Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”

James 5:12 “But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”

Another reason the Psalmist believed David “deserved” God’s favor was because of this promise that David had made to God.

The writer of this Psalm appears to have been a close personal friend of the king. Familiar enough with him to use his “given” name without title. Wanted him to be blessed instead of himself. And finally, they knew of this promise that was not recorded elsewhere in Scripture.

We read about his declaration of intent in to build the temple in 2Sam 7:1-2, but this vow of continued focus is not there. It was either revealed to this Psalmist by the Holy Spirit, or they were David’s confidant, or maybe a spiritual mentor.

Do you have, or are you a friend like this? That will pray for your benefit over their own. That use your name in their prayers. Who can hear your desires and take to them God in worship?

Jesus does this for us for He is the perfect friend, but to find one such as this on the earth is precious treasure.

I will not get into my bed

We usually associate getting into bed with going to sleep, but the LSB translation helps us understand a different intent.

“Nor lie in the comfort of my bed.”

This phrase is more about denying oneself some comforts than sleep deprivation - although that may be included.

Can you think of anything that you “given up” to complete something God wanted done?

I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,

Have you ever lost sleep over an incomplete job?

Did David actually not sleep for the 10+ years of his campaigns gathering supplies for the temple to be built?

Of course not. Again, this is poetic language describing the self-denial and internal discomfort he was placing upon himself until the task was complete.

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 132

We must live so close to God that we become restless until God’s will is accomplished through us.

I find a place for the Lord

Was David the first major character in Scripture to want to make “a place for the Lord?”

We are reminded by the Psalmist of another in the last part of the verse. Nearly all the patriarchs built altars for the Lord, but it was Jacob who encountered God and returned to that place again many years later calling the place Beth-el or “House of God”.

But David admitted that he could not really build anything to “house” God.

2 Chronicles 2:6 “But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him?”

The stone pillar that Jacob erected to the Temple that Solomon built, all were not really for God’s benefit but for His worshippers to have a place “set apart” to commune with Him.

Are there any special places that you go to other than this campus that you seem to “meet with God” more easily?

Psalm 132:6–10 ESV

Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!” Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one.

we heard of it

Usually in poetry you can follow the subject of pronouns as they are mentioned by name or example first. That does not seem to fit here as the “place of worship” or the temple David was to build was the last subject. This “it” however is a part of the items to be in that temple. We discover the pronoun’s reference from the cities named and other Scripture that uses these names all revolve around the temporary residence of the ark of the covenant.

Fields of Jaar

The ark of the covenant’s migration from Ebenezer to Kiriath-jearim can be traced in 1 Samuel 4:1–7:2. The Israelites made a foolish mistake by taking it into a fierce battle against the Philistines. They lost the battle that claimed the lives of 30,000 Israelite soldiers.

Initially, the Philistines took the ark to a pagan temple in Ashdod, then to Gath, Goliath’s hometown (1 Sam. 5). Because of God’s judgment, they moved it to an Israelite settlement called Beth-shemesh. From there, it came to Kiriath-jearim, where it remained for twenty years. Jaar is a shortened form of Kiriath-jearim. Incidentally, Ephrathah is also connected to David’s hometown, Bethlehem (Gen. 35:19; 1 Sam. 17:12).  [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

Ask: How can we worship God beyond what we do at this campus on Sundays?

Although the ark is a symbol of God’s presence, notice in the next verse where they go to worship.

His dwelling place… His footstool

The Psalmist subtly reminds us that our God does not inhabit objects or even places, but we are to present ourselves to Him in a worshipful way. They “went” to a place to better commune with Him, not because He was not where they were but to show devotion through the process of procession and removal from personal comforts to go where He is.

This song of “ascent” then requests God to “arise” with and meet the worshiper in that special place. Like the request to “remember” the plea is for action and not inferring any lack on God’s part.

The expression represented an Israelite prayer request that dated back to Moses (Num. 10:35-36). He asked the Lord to arise and scatter Israel’s enemies. Then he urged God to return to them when the time came for rest. David’s son, King Solomon, used this same appeal when he sought the Lord’s favor at the dedication of the temple (2 Chron. 6:41-42) [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

Psalm 132:11–14 ESV

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.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

Will not turn back

Along with David’s anointing, God made a steadfast promise about the future of Israel. Under the Lord’s direction, David would be a successful king. Also, He would see to it that David’s sons would occupy the throne in generations to come (2 Sam. 7:12). Previously, David made an oath about the temple that he worked diligently to fulfill (Ps. 132:2). Now, the Lord pledged an oath to him. And because the Lord keeps His promises, David could be sure that He would not turn back from His word. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

Ask: How have you experienced God’s faithfulness to His Word?

Like we talked about at the beginning of the lesson, people, whether intentionally or not, break promises. God knew this and put in a conditional statement in His promise. We know, however, from reading the chronicles in Scripture how long they keep up their part of the promise. God still kept His part, shifting this declaration more toward a covenant than a simple promise.

We can also see that God’s promise was not really based on human capabilities for He uses the word “forever” twice in these verses. Once about the son on the throne and again about His presence.

A kingdom that lasted throughout a king’s lifetime was expected. Many kingdoms even endured through several generations of a monarch’s family. However, a kingdom that would live on into eternity was virtually impossible for people to imagine. Yet the Lord promised David that his kingdom would be eternal. His sons would sit on the throne God established through him forever, from one generation to another. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

If you have read the end of the New Testament like I have, you know that both of these promises are fulfilled by Jesus ruling and reigning. Both as David’s heir and God in His resting place.

The book skips over verses 15 and 16, but I am going to read them with the others 17-18 because I think they add emphasis to the next question.

Psalm 132:15–18 ESV

I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”

Ask: How do the “I” statements in these last few verses reveal God’s plan for the Messiah?

These last few verses contain a lot of prophetic language and imagery in regard to Israel and her final King of Kings.

In Hebrew, making a horn for someone meant enabling them to be more powerful (Ps. 89:24; Ezek. 29:21; Dan. 7:7-8). Horns on animals represented strength. Likewise, human leaders used horns as trumpets to call citizens to action. Priests also used horns to carry oil for anointing the people God called to leadership and authority. (See also Luke 1:69.)   [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

This horn imagery appears several times in Revelation and other end times Scripture. Recognizing its meaning helps us interpret those verses also.

Can you think of any visible symbols of power and authority that are used today?

Prepared a lamp

The Moody Bible Commentary 2. The Request to Remember the Davidic Covenant (132:10–18)

The lamp is a metaphor for an heir (cf. 1Kg 11:36, when a man did not have an heir, and it was said that his lamp went out).

In 2 Samuel 21:15-17, David’s troops told him that he should never go into battle again after a close call against the Philistines. They emphasized that he was the light of Israel (2 Sam. 21:17), and the nation could not afford to lose him in battle. The Lord declared that He would make the Messiah His lamp. His light would keep on burning, shining brightly for God’s people.  [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

My anointed

We read about people being anointed by prophets and priests throughout the Bible. Sometimes as a symbol of dedication to God, setting apart for a special purpose, and even for burial. This anointing, however, is not done with the typical oil, but is God’s blessing “covering” the future leader.

The Hebrew word for anointed (masiah) also can be rendered “Messiah.” In Acts 10:38, Peter declared that God anointed Jesus as Messiah. He set His Son apart for a particular purpose. Jesus perfectly fulfilled those plans by living a sinless life, dying on the cross for our sin, and conquering death by rising from the grave. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

clothe with shame

Not only did God make promises to those who worshipped Him, but also for their protection or curses upon their enemies.

The Lord warned that anyone who attempted to stand against His chosen leaders and that their shame would not be hidden but worn like clothing for everyone to see. This warning was to both Israelite and Gentile.

For instance, Isaiah warned that His people would be ashamed of their idolatry (Isa. 1:27-31). Jeremiah alerted them to the painful reality that disgrace would follow disobedience (Jer. 3:24-25). For the enemies of His Messiah, their disgrace would be the result of their futile efforts to defeat Him (Rev. 17:15-16) [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

shining crown

In contrast to the shame that would clothe the enemies of Israel and the Messiah, God would bestow a crown on His faithful leaders that would shine. In particular, this promise applied to His Messiah. The Messiah’s crown would be matchless in its glory because the Messiah is matchless in His power and authority (Luke 1:31-33). [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

Although the Gentile Roman soldiers did place a crown on the Jewish King during his trial (John 19:2-3), that was done in mockery. One day God will replace it will one of such splendor and magnificence that none will be able to deny His power and authority, and at the sight of Him every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, He is Lord.

While the psalmist and the people of Israel had faith that God would send the Messiah one day, they had to accept that promise by faith. What they hoped for would not be fulfilled for hundreds of years. Thankfully, believers today understand that God has kept His word and provides hope for the present and the future through a relationship with Jesus Christ. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

Apply the Text

The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible Psalm 132:1–18

Psalm 132

Last week’s Psalm encouraged us to sing our praises. As a reminder to ourselves of God’s promises follow along with this church’s service and sing aloud or in your heart “Standing on the Promises.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLlJR61wKW0

Pray: Lord, help us to be more intentional in our worship of You. Show us how we may better set apart a place and time to get away from the distractions of this world and come into Your presence. God we are so grateful that You are faithful to keep all Your promises, and we can lean heavily on those truths in our times of trial and doubt. Jesus, our Messiah, Redeemer, and King, thank You for eternally delivering us from sin and its deserved wrathful punishment.