Psalms 132:15

KJV

I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will abundantly {H1288} bless {H1288} her provision {H6718}: I will satisfy {H7646} her poor {H34} with bread {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bless it with plenty of meat, I will give its poor their fill of food.

Berean Standard Bible

I will bless her with abundant provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

American Standard Version

I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 132:15 is a divine promise affirming God's unfailing commitment to His chosen dwelling place, Zion, and its inhabitants. It declares a lavish, overflowing blessing upon the city's resources, ensuring not only general prosperity but also specific, compassionate care for the most vulnerable within its community, guaranteeing that even the poor will be fully satisfied with sustenance. This verse underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant and His holistic provision for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 132 is a "Song of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), likely sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for annual festivals. It stands as a pivotal psalm within this collection, deeply rooted in the themes of covenant, kingship, and God's dwelling place. The psalm opens with David's fervent oath to find a "resting place" for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, before he would rest himself ([Psalms 132:1-5](/psalms/132-1 "Psalm 132:1-5 - David's Oath to the Lord")). This intense desire leads to the Ark's eventual placement in Zion. In response to David's devotion and the establishment of Zion as His chosen habitation ([Psalms 132:13](/psalms/132-13 "Psalm 132:13 - God's Choice of Zion")), God delivers solemn promises regarding David's lineage and, crucially, the enduring blessing upon Zion itself. Verse 15 is a direct articulation of God's reciprocal commitment, detailing the practical outworking of His presence and favor within the city He has chosen.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects the post-Davidic era, looking back to the foundational acts of King David in establishing Jerusalem as both the political and spiritual capital of Israel. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, had a long, nomadic history before David brought it to Jerusalem and Solomon built the Temple. This act solidified Zion's status as the center of Israelite worship and the place where God chose to "dwell." The concept of "provision" (Hebrew: *tsayid*) would have been understood in an agrarian society as the sustenance derived from the land, including grain, livestock, and other necessities for daily life. The mention of "the poor" (Hebrew: *ʼebyôwn*) highlights a consistent biblical concern for social justice and the welfare of the marginalized, a principle deeply embedded in Mosaic Law and prophetic teaching (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). God's promise to satisfy the poor with bread was a powerful assurance of His just and compassionate governance over His chosen city.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's inexhaustible capacity and willingness to supply all needs for His people and His chosen place. This is not merely basic sustenance but a generous, overflowing blessing, indicative of His abundant nature. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Compassion for the Vulnerable**, with the specific mention of satisfying "her poor with bread." This highlights God's special concern for the less fortunate, demonstrating that divine blessing is holistic and ensures that even those in greatest need are not overlooked but are fully provided for, reflecting a core principle of God's kingdom. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Blessing on His Dwelling Place**, affirming that the prosperity and well-being promised are directly tied to God's presence in Zion. Where God dwells, there is blessing, security, and provision for all. Finally, it serves as a testament to **Covenant Faithfulness**, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises made to David and to the city of Zion, ensuring the sustained welfare of His people in His chosen city.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root signifies "to kneel," and by implication, to confer favor, prosperity, and power. When God blesses, He bestows material and spiritual benefits, causing abundance and well-being. The repetition in the KJV "abundantly bless" (from the same root H1288) emphasizes the lavish, overflowing nature of this divine favor, indicating a blessing that is not merely adequate but exceedingly generous.
* **provision (Hebrew, _tsayid'_):** This term refers to supplies, particularly food for a journey or sustenance in general. It encompasses the practical, daily necessities of life. God's promise to bless "her provision" means He will ensure the availability and abundance of all that is needed for the sustenance and flourishing of Zion and its inhabitants.
* **poor (Hebrew, _ʼebyôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to want" or "to be destitute," this word specifically refers to those who are needy, beggars, or truly impoverished. The inclusion of "her poor" highlights God's particular concern for the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that His blessing is comprehensive and extends even to those who might otherwise be overlooked or neglected.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will abundantly bless her provision":** This clause declares God's commitment to lavishly provide for Zion. The "her" refers to Zion, God's chosen city and dwelling place. The blessing is not merely sufficient but "abundant," implying an overflowing supply of all necessary resources, especially food and sustenance. This signifies divine generosity and the prosperity that flows from God's presence.
* **"I will satisfy her poor with bread":** This second clause specifies the nature and scope of God's provision, emphasizing His particular care for the vulnerable. "Satisfy" (Hebrew: *sâbaʻ*) means to fill to contentment, to satiate, implying not just enough to survive but enough to be full and free from hunger. The mention of "her poor" underscores God's compassionate heart for the marginalized, ensuring that even the most destitute within Zion will experience the fullness of His provision, specifically in the form of "bread," a metonym for all essential food.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where the second clause ("I will satisfy her poor with bread") elaborates on and specifies the general promise of the first ("I will abundantly bless her provision"). This creates a sense of amplification and emphasis, highlighting God's comprehensive and compassionate care. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "bread" to represent all forms of sustenance and provision, a common biblical practice. This specific detail makes the promise tangible and relatable. The phrase "abundantly bless" also employs **hyperbole** to convey the overflowing nature of God's generosity, suggesting a blessing that far exceeds mere sufficiency. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **divine oracle**, a direct declaration from God, lending it immense authority and certainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 132:15 profoundly articulates God's character as a faithful and benevolent provider, particularly for His chosen people and dwelling place. It reveals that divine blessing is not abstract but tangible, impacting the physical well-being and social justice within the community. This promise of abundant provision and special care for the poor is rooted in God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His presence brings holistic flourishing. It foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Christ and the kingdom of God, where righteousness and justice prevail, and no one is left in want.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Generosity to the Poor")
* [Isaiah 58:10-11](/isaiah/58-10 "Isaiah 58:10-11 - God's Promise to the Compassionate")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that our God is not distant or uncaring, but intimately involved in the practical needs of His people. Just as He promised abundant provision for Zion, He continues to be the ultimate source of all good things for His Church, the spiritual Zion. This should cultivate a deep trust in His ability and willingness to provide for our needs, both individually and corporately. Furthermore, the specific mention of satisfying "her poor with bread" serves as a powerful mandate for the Church. If God's heart is so clearly for the vulnerable, then our hearts, as His representatives, must also beat with compassion for the poor, the hungry, and the marginalized. We are called not only to pray for provision but to be instruments of His provision, actively working to alleviate poverty and hunger in our communities, reflecting His justice and mercy to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's abundant provision in this verse shape your trust in Him for your daily needs?**
* **In what practical ways can you, or your community of faith, participate in satisfying the needs of the poor, reflecting God's heart as revealed in this psalm?**
* **How does recognizing God's active presence in your life and community encourage you to seek His kingdom first?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Zion" in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 132:15, "Zion" refers to Jerusalem, specifically the hill where the Temple was built and where God chose to establish His dwelling place. It represents not just a geographical location but also the spiritual center of Israel, the place of God's presence, covenant, and blessing. The promises of provision and satisfaction are directly tied to God's presence in Zion, signifying that where God dwells, there is security, abundance, and care for all His people. This concept of Zion later expands to represent God's spiritual kingdom and the Church in the New Testament (e.g., [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Mount Zion, the City of the Living God")).

**Does this verse imply that God will always provide material wealth for all believers?**

Answer: While this verse promises abundant provision and satisfaction, especially for the poor, it's crucial to interpret it within the broader biblical context. It speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant and His compassionate nature, ensuring that His people are sustained. It does not necessarily guarantee material wealth for every individual believer at all times, but rather assures that God will meet the genuine needs of His people, particularly those in vulnerable positions. The "satisfaction" promised here is a state of contentment and having enough, rather than an excess of riches. The New Testament similarly teaches that God supplies our needs according to His riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")), often through means that may not involve great material wealth but always sufficient grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 132:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His New Covenant work. While the original promise was for physical provision in earthly Zion, Christ embodies the true and eternal Zion, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate "bread of life" who perfectly satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger of humanity ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Just as God promised to satisfy Zion's poor with bread, Jesus compassionately fed the multitudes, demonstrating God's tangible care for physical needs ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). More significantly, He provides spiritual sustenance, offering eternal life and true satisfaction to all who believe, regardless of their earthly status or wealth. The Church, as the body of Christ and the spiritual Israel, becomes the recipient of God's abundant provision, not just materially but spiritually, through the inexhaustible riches found in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). In Christ, God's promise to bless and satisfy is realized in a way that transcends earthly limitations, ensuring that all who are "poor in spirit" will inherit the kingdom of heaven and be eternally satisfied ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")).

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

Psalms 147:14

He maketh peace [in] thy borders, [and] filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

Leviticus 26:4

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Leviticus 26:5

And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

2 Corinthians 9:10

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)