Psalms 132:7

Context

Psalm 132 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for festivals. This particular psalm focuses on two central themes: King David's fervent vow to find a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, and God's covenant promise to David concerning his lineage and the perpetual dwelling of God in Zion. Verses 1-9 recount David's dedication and prayer. Verse 7 specifically expresses the communal desire and intention of the people to enter God's sacred space and offer worship. It reflects the culmination of the pilgrimage – reaching the holy site where God's presence was manifested.

Meaning and Significance

The verse, "We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool," captures the heart of ancient Israelite devotion and provides timeless insights for believers today.

• "We will go into his tabernacles": The term "tabernacles" (Hebrew: mishkanot) refers to God's dwelling places. Initially, this was the portable Tabernacle constructed in the wilderness, and later, the magnificent Temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem. It signifies the sacred space where God's presence was uniquely manifested among His people. The "we will go" emphasizes a deliberate, communal act of seeking God's presence, an active pilgrimage towards spiritual encounter.
• "We will worship at his footstool": The "footstool" (Hebrew: hadom raglav) is a powerful metaphor for a place of humble reverence before God's throne. In the context of the Israelite worship, it most likely refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which was considered the earthly throne of God's presence, or more broadly, the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle/Temple where the Ark resided. To worship at His footstool implies approaching God with humility, adoration, and submission, acknowledging His supreme authority and holiness. This imagery resonates with Isaiah 66:1, where God declares heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool, emphasizing His vast dominion.

Key Themes

• Intentional Worship: The active declaration "we will go" and "we will worship" highlights that worship is not passive but a deliberate, chosen act of devotion.
• Seeking God's Presence: The core desire is to enter where God dwells, emphasizing the importance of proximity to the Divine for spiritual life.
• Reverence and Humility: Approaching God's "footstool" underscores the humility required in worship, acknowledging His majesty and our position before Him.
• Covenant Loyalty: This verse is embedded in a psalm celebrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with David and Israel, reinforcing the people's commitment to Him in return.

Practical Application

For believers today, while there is no physical temple with an Ark, the principles of Psalms 132:7 remain profoundly relevant:

• Active Pursuit of God: We are called to actively seek God's presence, whether through corporate worship, personal prayer, or studying His Word. Our spiritual journey should be an intentional "going" towards Him.
• Worship in Spirit and Truth: Jesus taught that true worshippers would worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Our "tabernacles" are now our hearts, as the Holy Spirit dwells within believers (1 Corinthians 6:19).
• Humility in Adoration: Approaching God with humility is essential. Recognizing His holiness and our dependence on Him fosters genuine adoration and submission to His will.
• The Ultimate Dwelling: Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the new creation where God will dwell with humanity directly, as described in Revelation 21:3, when "the tabernacle of God is with men."