Psalms 132:11

KJV

¶ The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath sworn {H7650} in truth {H571} unto David {H1732}; he will not turn {H7725} from it; Of the fruit {H6529} of thy body {H990} will I set {H7896} upon thy throne {H3678}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI swore an oath to David, an oath he will not break: "One of the sons from your own body I will set on your throne.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: “One of your descendants I will place on your throne.

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath sworn unto David in truth; He will not turn from it: Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 132:11 records a foundational and irrevocable divine oath made by the Lord to King David, guaranteeing the perpetuation of his royal lineage. This verse affirms God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to establish an enduring dynasty through David's direct physical descendants, promising that one of his offspring would perpetually occupy his throne. This solemn pledge is a cornerstone of the Davidic Covenant, highlighting God's immutable character and setting the stage for the ultimate fulfillment of His sovereign redemptive plan through the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 132 is one of the "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for festivals. Within this collection, it stands as a unique prayer and meditation on the establishment of God's dwelling place (the Ark of the Covenant) in Jerusalem and the subsequent divine promise made to David. The psalm opens by recalling David's earnest desire and effort to find a permanent resting place for the Ark (verses 1-5), symbolizing God's presence among His people. This devotion sets the stage for God's reciprocal and far-reaching promise. Verses 6-9 describe the Ark's journey to Zion, culminating in a plea for God's presence. Verses 10-18 then elaborate on God's covenant with David, with verse 11 being the core declaration of this divine oath. The subsequent verses (12-18) expand on the blessings associated with this covenant, including God's choice of Zion as His dwelling and the assurance of a lamp for David's anointed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this psalm is the early Israelite monarchy, specifically the reign of King David (circa 1000 BC). After consolidating his kingdom and conquering Jerusalem, David harbored a deep desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord, replacing the movable tabernacle. While God, through the prophet Nathan, did not permit David himself to build the temple, He responded to David's devotion by making an unconditional covenant with him, promising an eternal dynasty. This covenant, detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, establishing a perpetual royal line from David's family. Culturally, oaths sworn by God were considered the most binding and irrevocable declarations possible, underscoring the absolute certainty and reliability of the promise in Psalm 132:11. The concept of a "throne" represented not just a physical seat but the very authority, power, and continuity of a king's rule.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 132:11 is central to several profound theological and narrative themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Immutability**, powerfully conveyed by the Lord's sworn oath and the declaration that "he will not turn from it." This highlights God's unchanging character and the absolute reliability of His word. The verse is also the very heart of the **Davidic Covenant**, which establishes an enduring royal line from David's biological descendants, promising an eternal kingdom. This covenant is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, from its initial declaration in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") to prophetic elaborations in passages like [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Sure Mercies of David"). Crucially, this verse functions as a profound **Messianic Prophecy**, pointing beyond the immediate succession of David's earthly sons to a future, ultimate descendant who would reign eternally. This theme is foundational to understanding the New Testament's presentation of Jesus as the Christ, the anointed King from David's lineage, whose eternal reign fulfills this ancient promise, as affirmed in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Davidic Throne").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, YHWH (Jehovah), signifying His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. The use of this name emphasizes the supreme authority and absolute reliability of the one making this solemn oath.
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to seven oneself," implying to bind oneself by an oath, as if by a complete and irrevocable declaration. This highlights the solemnity, certainty, and binding nature of God's promise, signifying that it is fully established and unalterable.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Contracted from a root meaning "to be firm" or "stable," this word conveys certainty, faithfulness, and trustworthiness. God's oath is not merely a promise but an unshakeable, reliable declaration rooted in His very character; it is absolutely dependable.
* **David (Hebrew, _Dâvid'_):** The youngest son of Jesse and the beloved king of Israel, to whom God made this specific, personal, and dynastic covenant. The promise is directly addressed to him and his lineage, establishing him as the progenitor of the promised eternal king.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** A primitive root meaning "to turn back," "retreat," or "revoke." In this context, it emphasizes God's immutability; He will not retract, revoke, or go back on His sworn word, underscoring the unconditional and irreversible nature of the oath.
* **fruit (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy'_):** Literally "fruit," but used here figuratively to refer to offspring, progeny, or descendants. It specifically denotes the biological descendants of David, emphasizing the physical lineage through which the promise would be fulfilled.
* **body (Hebrew, _beṭen'_):** Literally "belly" or "womb," but used here to mean the physical person or the loins, signifying direct biological descent. This reinforces that the promised heir would be a literal, physical descendant of David.
* **set (Hebrew, _shîyth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to place," "appoint," or "establish." It indicates God's sovereign act of ordaining and establishing David's descendant on the throne, signifying divine appointment and authority.
* **throne (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** Properly "covered," referring to a seat of authority, a royal chair, or a throne. It represents the symbol of kingship, power, and dominion, signifying the perpetual royal authority promised to David's line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it":** This opening declaration establishes the divine origin and absolute certainty of the covenant. The "LORD" (YHWH), the self-existent and faithful God, has made a solemn and binding oath to King David. The phrase "in truth" emphasizes that this oath is rooted in God's immutable character and is therefore utterly reliable and unchangeable. The subsequent assurance, "he will not turn from it," reinforces the unconditional and irrevocable nature of this divine pledge, guaranteeing its fulfillment regardless of circumstances.
* **"Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne":** This second clause reveals the specific content of God's oath to David. God promises that a direct, biological descendant ("fruit of thy body") of David will be divinely appointed and established ("will I set") upon David's royal seat ("thy throne"). This is the core of the dynastic promise, ensuring a perpetual line of kings from David's lineage. While it had immediate implications for David's son Solomon and subsequent kings, its ultimate scope transcends any earthly monarch, pointing to an eternal ruler.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 132:11 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Divine Oath**, a formal and binding declaration made by God Himself, which underscores the absolute certainty and immutability of His promise. The phrase "he will not turn from it" serves as a powerful **Affirmation** of God's unchanging nature and the unconditional quality of the covenant. The expression "fruit of thy body" is a clear example of **Metonymy**, where "fruit" stands in for "offspring" or "descendant," making the concept of progeny tangible and emphasizing biological continuity. This also functions as **Figurative Language**, adding poetic depth to the literal promise. The entire verse is a concise yet profound **Prophecy**, foretelling the future of David's royal line and its ultimate culmination. The solemn and declarative tone of the verse creates a sense of **Emphasis** on the momentous nature of God's commitment to David and his lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a theological anchor, illustrating God's profound covenant faithfulness and His sovereign plan for redemption through a chosen lineage. It reveals that God's promises are not contingent on human performance but are rooted in His unchanging character, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith. The "fruit of thy body" points to a physical, historical line, yet the promise of an "eternal throne" transcends earthly reigns, pointing to a divine-human king. This enduring dynastic promise is not merely about political succession but about God's chosen means to bring about salvation and establish His righteous rule over all creation. It highlights the intersection of divine sovereignty and human history, where God works through specific individuals and families to accomplish His grand purposes, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Reign")
* [Jeremiah 33:17](/jeremiah/33-17 "Jeremiah 33:17 - Promise of a Davidic King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 132:11 offers immense comfort and a steadfast anchor for our faith in a world characterized by constant change and uncertainty. The profound truth that the Lord has "sworn in truth" and "will not turn from it" assures us that God's character is utterly dependable, and His promises are unbreakable. This should instill deep confidence in believers, reminding us that God's plans, especially His ultimate plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, are immutable and will certainly come to pass. It calls us to place our full trust in His faithfulness, even when circumstances seem to contradict His word, and to find our ultimate hope not in fleeting earthly powers but in the eternal reign of the King God promised. Furthermore, understanding the depth of God's commitment to David's lineage should inspire us to consider our own place within God's unfolding story, recognizing that His faithfulness to past covenants undergirds His present and future promises to us, guaranteeing His continued work in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's unchanging nature, as revealed in "he will not turn from it," impact your trust in His promises for your own life and the future?**
* **In what ways does the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ deepen your appreciation for God's long-term, sovereign plan of salvation for humanity?**
* **How can the certainty of God's oath to David encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith and hope during times of doubt or difficulty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God swearing "in truth" to David?**

Answer: The phrase "in truth" (Hebrew: *ʼemeth*) is profoundly significant because it emphasizes the absolute certainty, faithfulness, and immutability of God's oath. It signifies that God's promise is not conditional, subject to revocation, or capable of failure. It is rooted in His very character, which is perfect, unchanging, and utterly trustworthy. This makes the Davidic Covenant an unconditional promise, providing an unshakeable foundation for the hope of an eternal king from David's lineage. It assures David, and all future generations, that God's word is utterly reliable and will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human circumstances or failures.

**How does this verse relate to the Davidic Covenant?**

Answer: Psalms 132:11 is a direct poetic restatement and powerful affirmation of the core promise given to David in the Davidic Covenant, primarily recorded in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). In [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), God promises David an enduring "house," "kingdom," and "throne," stating that He will raise up David's offspring and establish his kingdom forever. Psalm 132:11 encapsulates this dynastic promise, specifically highlighting God's solemn oath ("sworn in truth") that a descendant ("fruit of thy body") will perpetually sit on David's throne. It underscores the divine origin and unconditional nature of this foundational covenant, which forms a crucial part of God's unfolding redemptive plan throughout biblical history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 132:11 finds its ultimate, glorious, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of an enduring king from David's "fruit of thy body" points directly to Jesus, who is unequivocally identified in the New Testament as the Son of David. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary explicitly states that her son, Jesus, "will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Reign")). Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, directly connects David's prophetic understanding of his descendant reigning on his throne to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, proclaiming that God "raised up the Christ to sit on his throne" ([Acts 2:29-36](/acts/2-29 "Acts 2:29-36 - Peter's Sermon on David and Christ")). Jesus, born of the virgin Mary, a physical descendant of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus' Davidic Lineage")), is the true and eternal King who now sits at the right hand of God, having conquered sin and death. His reign is not merely earthly but cosmic, spiritual, and eternal, perfectly fulfilling the divine oath that the Lord would "set upon thy throne" a descendant of David, whose kingdom would never end. He is the ultimate "fruit of David's body" and the one who perfectly embodies the "truth" of God's unwavering and eternal promise.

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

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

Psalms 110:4

The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Psalms 89:3

I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

Psalms 89:4

Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

2 Chronicles 6:16

Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

Acts 2:30

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Luke 1:69

And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;