Psalms 132:1-18

The pilgrims stand at the very entrance of the Holy City, and their song is one of strong desire, and equally strong confidence.

In the first part the desire is expressed (vv. Psa 132:1-10). It is for the fulfilment of the God-inspired purpose of David when, through affliction and at cost, he prepared for the building of the sanctuary. The idea of the Theocracy is in mind as they pray, “Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting-place.” Jehovah is to be the Centre of gathering, while around Him are priests and saints, and before Him the anointed King.

The desire is answered by the assurance of the fidelity of Jehovah to His word (vv. Psa 132:11-18). He has sworn to David, and He will not turn from it. The order is then set forth. The faithful Jehovah, the anointed King, the chosen city, the clothed priests, the rejoicing people, the established kingdom, Whatever were the circumstances of the writing of this song, its placing here is significant. The worshipping people are to be conscious of the true order of their life, and the true meaning of their approach. A spacious conception of the purpose of God is ever necessary to a true worship. Lacking this, the exercises of worship may easily degenerate into selfish formalism. Where it is present, every individual is enabled to contribute to the whole, that which makes for the complete realisation of the ideal.