David's abasement and vow to God. The historical books give no account of this vow, which, however, may have been recorded in one or other of the lost compositions spoken of so frequently in Chronicles ( 1 Chronicles 29:29 ; 2 Chronicles 9:29 ; 2 Chronicles 16:11 , etc.). read more
The power of a holy soul. I. THAT DAWN WAS SUCH WE ARE BOUND TO BELIEVE , notwithstanding the flagrant and most grievous sins which are recorded against him. They stagger us when we read of them, and we wonder how such a man could ever have been called "the man after God's own heart." But in this psalm, as so constantly throughout the Holy Scriptures, we come across statements which prove that, in the estimation of the people of his day, and of those who knew him best,... read more
Metrically, the psalm consists of four stanzas, each of ten lines: Psalms 132:1-5 ; 6-10; 11-13; and 14-18. read more
The service of the sanctuary. We are accustomed to think of devotion in connection with the house of the Lord. The two things are clearly, though not inseparably, associated with one another. There may be piety where there is no sanctuary; there may be a sanctuary where there is no piety. Practically, however, we find the two in very close alliance. We have in this psalm— I. THE GOOD MAN 'S ANXIETY . ( Psalms 132:1-5 .) David is represented as very seriously concerned about... read more
Spiritual worship. "The psalmist, filled with the memory of many an ancient oracle in praise of David and his city Zion, unable to bear the thought that this ' beauty of all the earth,' for which David had toiled, should remain sunk in misery and ruin, prays to God to remember his promises, and to return once more to his chosen dwelling-place;" that the temple may be rebuilt, and the national worship restored, Some of the principal thoughts suggested are— I. THAT THE GREATEST ... read more
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house . I will not take up my abode quietly and comfortably in my own solid and substantial house (see 2 Samuel 5:11 ). Nor go up into my bed . Indulge, i . e ; in luxurious repose. (Fur a contrary feeling on the part of some Israelites, see Haggai 1:4 .) read more
I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to my eyelids . Exegetical of the last clause of Psalms 132:3 . read more
Until I find out a place for the Lord . The "place" which David desired to "find" was a permanent resting-place for the ark of God, which he had already "brought up from the house of Obed-Edom into the city of David with gladness" ( 2 Samuel 6:12 ), but which he had only established in a temporary abode of the nature of a tent, or tabernacle ( 2 Samuel 6:17 ). God approved David's zeal, but did not allow him to accomplish his design ( 2 Samuel 7:5-16 ). An habitation for the mighty... read more
A place for the Lord. I. TO SECURE THIS SHOULD BE THE OBJECT OF OUR INTENSE DESIRE AND ENDEAVOR . 1. Because the Lord so desires it . See his name here, "the mighty God of Jacob." What a poor mean wretch Jacob too often was! And yet how God compassionated, pitied, uplifted, and saved him! What does not such a redeeming God deserve and demand! 2. For the sake of our fellow-men . It is the world's great and crying need—that the Lord God should... read more
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John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 132:7
Verse 7 7.We will go into his habitations. Here he dictates to all the Lord’s people a common form of mutual exhortation to the duty of going up to the place which had been pointed out by the Angel. The clearer the intimation God may have given of his will, the more alacrity should we show in obeying it. Accordingly, the Psalmist intimates that now when the people had ascertained beyond all doubt the place of God’s choice, they should admit of no procrastination, and show all the more alacrity... read more