Psalms 132:8

Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

Arise {H6965}, O LORD {H3068}, into thy rest {H4496}; thou, and the ark {H727} of thy strength {H5797}.

Go up, ADONAI, to your resting-place, you and the ark through which you give strength.

Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.

Arise, O Jehovah, into thy resting-place; Thou, and the ark of thy strength.

Commentary

Psalms 132:8 is a profound prayer and declaration, found within one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), likely sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. It expresses a deep desire for God's settled presence among His people.

Context

Psalm 132 is a messianic psalm that intertwines themes of David's vow to find a resting place for the Lord and God's unwavering covenant with David. Verses 1-5 recount King David's earnest desire and promise to build a house for God, even before establishing his own palace (compare with 2 Samuel 7:2). The psalm then shifts to the joyous occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, its designated resting place, and the eventual construction of the Temple by Solomon. This verse (132:8) is a liturgical cry, possibly echoing a prayer made during the Ark's procession or the Temple's dedication, as seen in Solomon's dedication prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:41.

Key Themes

  • God's Settled Presence: The primary plea is for God to "Arise... into thy rest," signifying a permanent and stable dwelling place for His divine presence among His people, contrasting with the Ark's earlier nomadic existence.
  • The Ark of the Covenant: Referred to as "the ark of thy strength," it symbolizes God's power, His covenant faithfulness, and His active presence. The Ark was the most sacred object in Israel, representing the very throne of God among them (Exodus 25:22).
  • Davidic Covenant: The psalm is deeply connected to God's promise to David regarding an enduring dynasty and a chosen place for His name to dwell (2 Samuel 7:16).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Arise" is qūmāh (קוּמָה), an imperative often used in the context of God manifesting His power or presence, reminiscent of the ancient cry when the Ark set out on journeys (Numbers 10:35). Here, however, it's a call for God to "arise" and *settle* in His chosen place of rest (מְנוּחָה - mĕnūḥāh), signifying a permanent, secure, and peaceful habitation, not merely a temporary stop.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the profound human desire for God's presence and His faithfulness to dwell among His people. While the physical Ark and Temple were central to Old Testament worship, the New Testament reveals that God's dwelling place is now in believers individually and collectively as the Church (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:22). Our hearts and communities are called to be places where the Lord can "arise into His rest," signifying a life where His presence is welcomed, honored, and active. It encourages us to seek and cultivate an environment, both personally and communally, where God's "strength" and glory can be manifested.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 6:41 (5 votes)

    Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:42 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 78:61 (3 votes)

    And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.

  • Numbers 10:35 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.

  • Numbers 10:36 (3 votes)

    And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.

  • Psalms 68:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.