TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 132 verses 1–10
In these verses we have Solomon's address to God for his favour to him and to his government, and his acceptance of his building a house to God's name. Observe,
I. What he pleads - two things: -
1.That what he had done was in pursuance of the pious vow which his father David had made to build a house for God. Solomon was a wise man, yet pleads not any merit of his own: "I am not worthy, for whom thou shouldst do this; but, Lord, remember David, with whom thou madest the covenant" (as Moses prayed, Exo 32:13, Remember Abraham, the first trustee of the covenant); "remember all his afflictions, all the troubles of his life, which his being anointed was the occasion of," or his care and concern about the ark, and what an uneasiness it was to him that the ark was in curtains, Sa2 7:2. Remember all his humility and meekness (so some read it), all that pious and devout affection with which he had made the following vow. Note, It is not amiss for us to put God in mind of our predecessors in profession, of their afflictions, their services, and their sufferings, of God's covenant with them, the experiences they have had of his goodness, the care they took of, and the many prayers they put up for, those that should come after them. We may apply it to Christ, the Son of David, and to all his afflictions: "Lord, remember the covenant made with him and the satisfaction made by him. Remember all his offerings (Psa 20:3), that is, all his sufferings." He especially pleads the solemn vow that David had made as soon as ever he was settled in his government, and before he was well settled in a house of his own, that he would build a house for God. Observe, (1.) Whom he bound himself to, to the Lord, to the mighty God of Jacob. Vows are to be made to God, who is a party as well as a witness. The Lord is the Mighty One of Jacob, Jacob's God, and a mighty one, whose power is engaged for Jacob's defence and deliverance. Jacob is weak, but the God of Jacob is a mighty one. (2.) What he bound himself to do, to find out a place for the Lord, that is, for the ark, the token of his presence. He had observed in the law frequent mention of the place that God would choose to put his name there, to which all the tribes should resort. When he came to the crown there was no such place; Shiloh was deserted, and no other place was pitched upon, for want of which the feasts of the Lord were not kept with due solemnity. "Well," says David, "I will find out such a place for the general rendezvous of all the tribes, a place of habitation for the Mighty One of Jacob, a place for the ark, where there shall be room both for the priests and people to attend upon it." (3.) How intent he was upon it; he would not settle in his bed, till he had brought this matter to some head, Psa 132:3, Psa 132:4. The thing had been long talked of, and nothing done, till at last David, when he went out one morning about public business, made a vow that before night he would come to a resolution in this matter, and would determine the place either where the tent should be pitched for the reception of the ark, at the beginning of his reign, or rather where Solomon should build the temple, which was not fixed till the latter end of his reign, just after the pestilence with which he was punished for numbering the people (Ch1 22:1, Then David said, This is the house of the Lord); and perhaps it was upon occasion of that judgment that he made this vow, being apprehensive that one of God's controversies with him was for his dilatoriness in this matter. Note, When needful work is to be done for God it is good for us to task ourselves, and tie ourselves to a time, because we are apt to put off. It is good in the morning to cut out work for the day, binding ourselves that we will do it before we sleep, only with submission to Providence; for we know not what a day may bring forth. Especially in the great work of conversion to God we must be thus solicitous, thus zealous; we have good reason to resolve that we will not enjoy the comforts of this life till we have laid a foundation for hopes of a better.
2.That it was in pursuance of the expectations of the people of Israel, Psa 132:6, Psa 132:7. (1.) They were inquisitive after the ark; for they lamented its obscurity, Sa1 7:2. They heard of it at Ephratah (that is, at Shiloh, in the tribe of Ephraim); there they were told it had been, but it was gone. They found it, at last, in the fields of the wood, that is, in Kirjath-jearim, which signifies the city of woods. Thence all Israel fetched it, with great solemnity, in the beginning of David's reign (Ch1 13:6), so that in building his house for the ark Solomon had gratified all Israel. They needed not to go about to seek the ark anymore; they now knew where to find it. (2.) They were resolved to attend it: "Let us but have a convenient place, and we will go into his tabernacle, to pay our homage there; we will worship at his footstool as subjects and suppliants, which we neglected to do, for want of such a place, in the days of Saul," Ch1 13:3.
II. What he prays for, Psa 132:8-10. 1. That God would vouchsafe, not only to take possession of, but to take up his residence in, this temple which he had built: Arise, O Lord! into thy rest, and let this be it, thou, even the ark of thy strength, the pledge of thy presence, thy mighty presence. 2. That God would give grace to the ministers of the sanctuary to do their duty: Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; let them appear righteous both in their administrations and in their conversations, and let both be according to the rule. Note, Righteousness is the best ornament of a minister. Holiness towards God, and goodness towards all men, are habits for ministers of the necessity of which there is no dispute. "They are thy priests, and will therefore discredit their relation to thee if they be not clothed with righteousness." 3. That the people of God might have the comfort of the due administration of holy ordinances among them: Let thy saints shout for joy. They did so when the ark was brought into the city of David (Sa2 6:15); they will do so when the priests are clothed with righteousness. A faithful ministry is the joy of the saints; it is the matter of it; it is a friend and a furtherance to it; we are helpers of your joy, Co2 1:24. 4. That Solomon's own prayer, upon occasion of the dedicating of the temple, might be accepted of God: "Turn not away the face of thy anointed, that is, deny me not the things I have asked of thee, send me not away ashamed." He pleads, (1.) That he was the anointed of the Lord, and this he pleads as a type of Christ, the great anointed, who, in his intercession, urges his designation to his office. He is God's anointed, and therefore the Father hears him always. (2.) That he was the son of David: "For his sake do not deny me;" and this is the Christian's plea: "For the sake of Christ" (our David), "in whom thou art well pleased, accept me." He is David, whose name signifies beloved; and we are made accepted in the beloved. He is God's servant, whom he upholds, Isa 42:1. "We have no merit of our own to plead, but for his sake, in whom there is a fulness of merit, let us find favour." When we pray for the prosperity of the church we may pray with great boldness, for Christ's sake, who purchased the church with his own blood. "Let both ministers and people do their duty."
"For Your servant David's sake, turn not away the face of Your Anointed" [Psalm 132:10]. These words are addressed unto God the Father. "For Your servant David's sake, turn not away the face of Your Anointed." The Lord was crucified in Judæa; He was crucified by the Jews; harassed by them, He slept. He arose to judge those among whose savage hands He slept: and He says elsewhere, "Raise Thou Me up again, and I shall reward them." He both has rewarded them, and will reward them. The Jews well know themselves how great were their sufferings after the Lord's death. They were all expelled from the very city, where they slew Him. What then? Have all perished even from the root of David and from the tribe of Judah? No: for some of that stock believed, and in fact many thousands of men of that stock believed, and this after the Lord's resurrection. They raged and crucified Him: and afterwards began to see miracles wrought in the Name of Him Crucified; and they trembled still more that His Name should have so much power, since when in their hands He seemed unable to work any; and pricked at heart, at length believing that there was some hidden divinity in Him whom they had believed like other men, and asking counsel of the Apostles, they were answered, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." [Acts 2:38] Since then Christ arose to judge those by whom He had been crucified, and turned away His Presence from the Jews, turning His Presence towards the Gentiles; God is, as it seems, besought in behalf of the remnant of Israel; and it is said unto Him, "For Your servant David's sake, turn not away the presence of Your Anointed." If the chaff be condemned, let the wheat be gathered together. May the remnant be saved, as Isaiah says, "And the remnant has" clearly "been saved:" [Isaiah 10:21-22] for out of them were the twelve Apostles, out of them more than five hundred brethren, to whom the Lord showed Himself after His Resurrection: [1 Corinthians 15:6] out of their number were so many thousands baptized, [Acts 2:41] who laid the price of their possessions at the Apostles' feet. Thus then was fulfilled the prayer here made to God: "For Your servant David's sake, turn not away the presence of Your Anointed."
Continue studying Psalms 132:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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, 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. 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. 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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. 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 and Romans 1:3. 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. 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). 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). 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.