Psalms 132:10

KJV

For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thy servant {H5650} David's {H1732} sake turn not away {H7725} the face {H6440} of thine anointed {H4899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the sake of your servant David, don't turn away the face of your anointed one.

Berean Standard Bible

For the sake of Your servant David, do not reject Your anointed one.

American Standard Version

For thy servant David’s sake Turn not away the face of thine anointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 132:10 is a fervent prayer, likely offered by a reigning monarch or the worshipping community, appealing to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness concerning the Davidic dynasty. It implores the Lord not to reject the petition or turn away from the current king, who is God's chosen and consecrated representative, for the sake of the enduring promises made to King David. This verse encapsulates a profound trust in God's steadfast commitment to His word and a recognition of the divinely ordained role of the Davidic king as a steward of God's people and a symbol of future Messianic hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 132 is a distinctive "Song of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection sung by pilgrims en route to Jerusalem for religious festivals. Unlike many other psalms in this collection that focus on personal or communal longing for Zion, Psalm 132 uniquely centers on the Davidic covenant and the establishment of God's dwelling place in Jerusalem. The psalm opens with a passionate recounting of David's vow to find a permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing his zealous dedication to bringing God's presence to Zion (verses 1-5). It then transitions to the joyful procession of the Ark (verses 6-9), culminating in a plea for God to "arise and come to your resting place" (verse 8). Verse 10 serves as a pivotal bridge, moving from the historical narrative of David's devotion and the Ark's arrival to a direct, intercessory petition for the current Davidic king, grounding this plea in God's prior, solemn commitment to David. The psalm concludes with God's own solemn oath to David, reiterating the promise of an enduring dynasty and abundant blessings upon Zion and its inhabitants (verses 11-18), highlighting the perpetual nature of God's covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects a period in Israelite history when the Davidic monarchy was firmly established and viewed as integral to God's plan for His people. The "anointed" king was not merely a political ruler but a theological figure, consecrated by God through the ritual of anointing with oil, symbolizing divine selection and empowerment. This act set him apart as God's representative on earth, responsible for upholding justice and righteousness. The Davidic Covenant, primarily detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), was a foundational theological pillar, promising an eternal dynasty to David's descendants and ensuring a perpetual throne. This covenant profoundly shaped the Israelite understanding of kingship and their hope for a future Messiah. The setting for this prayer is likely a temple liturgy, perhaps during a coronation, a national assembly, or a time of crisis, where prayers for the reigning king, as God's chosen representative, were common. Such prayers acknowledged that the king's success, and by extension the nation's well-being and security, depended entirely on divine favor and adherence to the covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 132:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 132 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to His promises, specifically the Davidic Covenant. The appeal "for thy servant David's sake" highlights the enduring nature of this divine pledge, which guaranteed a perpetual lineage for David's throne, as seen in [Psalms 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "Psalms 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David"). This theme assures the supplicant that God remains true to His word across generations. Secondly, it expresses the theme of **Divine Favor and Kingship**, as the psalmist intercedes for the reigning "anointed" king, recognizing that the king's legitimacy, authority, and effectiveness are contingent upon God's blessing and non-rejection. This reflects the theological understanding that the king was God's chosen instrument to administer justice and righteousness, a concept echoed in [Psalms 72:1-2](/psalms/72-1-2 "Psalms 72:1-2 - A Prayer for the King"). Lastly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Messianic Expectation**, as the term "anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiach_) carries profound prophetic weight, pointing beyond the immediate Davidic king to the ultimate "Anointed One" who would perfectly fulfill all the covenant promises and establish an eternal kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From H5650, meaning "a servant" or "bondman." In the phrase "thy servant David," this term emphasizes David's humble devotion, loyal obedience, and faithful service to God. It establishes the basis for God's gracious covenant and enduring favor, highlighting the relationship not as a contract between equals, but as a sovereign Lord's promise to a faithful, albeit dependent, servant. This term underscores David's posture of submission and service, which God honored with an everlasting covenant, making his legacy a perpetual ground for appeal.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, meaning "the face." This word is central to the idiomatic expression "turn not away the face." In Hebrew thought, the "face" often represents presence, attention, favor, or disposition. To "turn away the face" signifies rejection, disapproval, refusal to listen, or denial of a request. Conversely, for God to "lift up His face" (e.g., [Numbers 6:26](/numbers/6-26 "Numbers 6:26 - The Priestly Blessing")) means to grant favor, blessing, peace, and attentive presence. Thus, the plea is for God's continued attentive, benevolent, and responsive presence towards the king and his petition.
* **anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** From H4899, meaning "anointed" or "consecrated person," specifically "the Messiah." This term refers to the reigning Davidic king, who was consecrated through anointing with oil as a sign of divine appointment and empowerment for his royal office. The Hebrew word is _mashiach_, from which the English "Messiah" is derived, and which is translated into Greek as _christos_ (Christ). While immediately referring to the current Davidic monarch, its use carries profound theological weight, foreshadowing the ultimate Anointed One who would perfectly fulfill the Davidic covenant and establish an eternal, righteous kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thy servant David's sake":** This opening clause establishes the profound theological basis for the petition. The psalmist appeals to God's faithfulness, not primarily based on the immediate merits or worthiness of the current king, but on the enduring covenant and solemn promises God made to David, His loyal servant. It invokes the historical precedent of God's relationship with David and the unconditional oath God swore to him concerning his lineage and throne, demonstrating a deep trust in God's unchanging character and commitment to His word.
* **"turn not away the face":** This is a powerful and common Hebrew idiom, expressing an urgent and humble request for God not to reject the plea, not to refuse, and not to deny favor. It signifies a desire for God to listen favorably, to grant the petition, and to maintain a benevolent disposition. It implies a posture of seeking God's approval and blessing, contrasting sharply with the idea of God turning away in displeasure, indifference, or refusal to acknowledge the supplicant.
* **"of thine anointed":** This phrase specifically identifies the recipient of the desired divine favor: the reigning king, a descendant of David, who has been consecrated by God through the ritual of anointing. The prayer is for this divinely appointed ruler, that God would continue to bless, uphold, and empower him. This intercession is crucial for ensuring the stability, prosperity, and spiritual well-being of the Davidic dynasty and, by extension, the entire nation of Israel, as their fate was intricately linked to their king.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 132:10 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "turn not away the face" is a powerful example of **metonymy**, where "face" stands in for God's entire presence, attention, or favorable disposition. This idiomatic expression vividly conveys the desired outcome: not merely a physical turning of the head, but a complete and benevolent divine disposition towards the petitioner. The phrase "for thy servant David's sake" functions as a potent **appeal to covenant**, leveraging the immense historical and theological weight of God's unwavering promises to David. This is a specific form of **intercession**, where the speaker appeals to a higher authority (God) based on a pre-existing, divinely established relationship or promise. Furthermore, the term "thine anointed" carries profound **symbolism**, representing not only the current king but the entire Davidic lineage, and ultimately, the Messianic hope. It serves as a **type**, pointing forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. The overall tone of the verse is one of earnest **supplication** and humble **dependence** on God's faithfulness and His covenant commitments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 132:10 powerfully underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness and the profound significance of divinely appointed leadership. The appeal "for thy servant David's sake" highlights that God's actions are often rooted in His prior promises and His unchanging character, rather than solely on the immediate worthiness of the human recipient. This principle encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing He is true to His word, even when human circumstances are imperfect or current leaders fall short. The prayer for the "anointed" king also emphasizes the theological understanding that earthly rulers, especially those within God's covenant people, are meant to be instruments of divine will, requiring God's favor, wisdom, and guidance to fulfill their roles effectively for the good of the nation. This verse, therefore, serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of prayer for leaders and the ultimate hope found in God's sovereign plan, which culminates in the perfect King.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Promise to David's Dynasty")
* [Psalms 89:20](/psalms/89-20 "God's Anointed King")
* [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "The Sure Mercies of David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 132:10 invites us to reflect deeply on the bedrock of our faith: God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Just as the psalmist appealed to God's covenant with David as a basis for prayer, we are called to rest our hope and prayers on God's greater and more glorious covenant with us through Jesus Christ. This verse teaches us the posture of humble dependence, acknowledging that all true blessing, success, and spiritual vitality, whether in our personal lives, our families, our churches, or our nations, flow ultimately from God's sovereign favor. It also provides a vital model for intercessory prayer, reminding us of our responsibility to pray earnestly and consistently for those in authority, both spiritual (pastors, elders) and secular (government leaders), that God's wisdom, guidance, and favor would rest upon them for the good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom. Ultimately, this verse draws our hearts to the true Anointed One, Jesus, in whom all God's promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen," prompting us to live in light of His eternal and perfect reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's covenant faithfulness to David encourage your trust in His promises for your own life and circumstances today?**
* **In what specific ways can you actively pray for your leaders, both within the church and in civil government, asking for God's favor and wisdom upon them?**
* **How does the concept of "God's anointed" in this verse deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ as the ultimate Messiah and eternal King?**
* **What does it mean for God to "turn not away the face" from you in your prayers, and how can you cultivate a posture of seeking His attentive and benevolent presence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "David's sake" in this verse?**

Answer: "David's sake" refers to the profound and enduring Davidic Covenant, a solemn and unconditional promise God made to King David, primarily recorded in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). In this covenant, God promised David an enduring dynasty, a perpetual throne, and a descendant who would build a house for God's name. The psalmist's appeal "for thy servant David's sake" is a humble yet confident plea for God to act consistent with His own faithfulness to this covenant. It's not about David's personal merit at the moment of the prayer, nor the current king's perfection, but about God's unchanging character and His steadfast commitment to His word, which He demonstrated through His promises to David. It underscores that God's blessings often flow from His prior, unconditional commitments and His desire to honor His own name and word.

**Who is "thine anointed" referring to in Psalms 132:10?**

Answer: In its immediate historical and literary context, "thine anointed" refers to the reigning king of Israel, a direct descendant of David, who had been consecrated for his royal office through the ritual of anointing with oil. This act symbolized God's divine selection, empowerment, and special favor for leadership. However, the Hebrew word for "anointed" is _mashiach_ (מָשִׁיחַ), from which we derive the English term "Messiah." Therefore, while it directly points to the current Davidic monarch, it also carries profound prophetic and theological significance, foreshadowing the ultimate "Anointed One," the Messiah, who would perfectly fulfill the Davidic Covenant and establish an eternal, righteous kingdom. This dual meaning—an immediate historical referent and a future Messianic anticipation—is crucial for understanding the verse's full theological depth, especially in light of the New Testament's revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate and perfect Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 132:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal "Anointed One." While the verse initially refers to the earthly Davidic king, its language and theological implications powerfully point to the Messiah. Jesus is the promised descendant of David, born of the lineage specifically chosen to fulfill God's covenant with David, as affirmed in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Concerning His Son"). He is the one whom God truly "anointed," not with physical oil, but with the Holy Spirit and power, as testified by Peter in [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit"). The prayer "turn not away the face of thine anointed" is answered perfectly in Christ, for God never turned away from His beloved Son; rather, He upheld Him in His mission, even through suffering and death on the cross, and raised Him to the highest place, granting Him all authority in heaven and on earth ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Jesus, as the perfect "servant David"—a new and greater David—perfectly fulfilled God's will and established an everlasting kingdom. For His sake, God's favor rests eternally upon His people, the church. Through Christ, the Davidic covenant's promise of an everlasting throne is realized, not in an earthly political kingdom, but in the spiritual and eternal reign of the King of kings, whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")). Thus, when we pray for God's kingdom to come, we are ultimately praying for the full manifestation of Christ's perfect, eternal reign, the true "Anointed One" from whom God will never turn away His face.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:4

Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

1 Kings 15:5

Because David did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

1 Kings 11:12

Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: [but] I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.

1 Kings 11:13

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; [but] will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

1 Kings 11:34

Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:

2 Chronicles 6:42

O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.