Psalms 132:13-16

For the Lord hath chosen Zion.

God’s choice of Zion

He giveth a reason for the absolute promise of Christ’s coming to rule the spiritual kingdom of Israel, or the Church, because the Lord had chosen Zion in the type, and the universal Church under the figure, to be His chosen Temple and habitation, wherein He delighted. Whence learn--

1. Where God will settle His sanctuary, there tie will settle His kingdom also: Zion must not want a king; for the reason here, why the Lord will with an oath set up one who shall be the fruit of David’s body upon the throne, is “because He hath chosen Zion.”

2. The Lord’s pitching upon any place to dwell in, or persons to dwell among, cometh not of the worthiness of the place or persons, but from God’s good pleasure alone.

3. The Lord resteth in His love towards His Church, accepting the persons, prayers, and service of His chosen people; lie smelleth a sweet savour in Christ here, and His love maketh His seat among His people steadfast.

4. What is promised under typical figures is really everlasting, not in regard of the figure, but in regard of the signification: “For this is my rest for ever,” is true only in respect of the Church, represented by Zion.

5. No reason is to be craved for God’s everlasting good will to any person or incorporation; His pleasure may suffice for a cause. (D. Dickson.)

Zion and her provision

I. God’s choice of His Zion.

1. The sovereignty of God, which is exercised towards His creatures.

2. This choice is a choice of love (Ephesians 2:4; Jeremiah 31:3).

II. The purposes for which God has chosen Zion. God desires Zion--

1. For His habitation.

2. For His rest. Where He takes up His abode, it is for ever.

III. The blessings promised. In 1 John 2:12, you have the family of God set forth from infancy to manhood; from weakness itself, to perfect strength; from sin’s dominion and degradation, to salvation’s honours and glories; from the captivity of Satan, to a full victory over him; from the love, power, and guilt of sin, to the enjoyment of all the Gospel blessings, promises, and treasures in Christ. (C. Parvey.)