Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 132

Solomon’s Prayer for God’s FavorIn this passage, Solomon asks God to bless him, his rule, and the temple he has built for God’s name. He does not claim any personal merit but instead points to the promises made to his father David. Solomon also remembers the hopes and expectations of the people of Israel, who wanted a permanent place to worship God. This section teaches us to pray for God’s help by remembering His promises and the faithfulness of those who came before us.v. 1: Solomon pleads, Lord

v. 2: Solomon reminds God that David made a solemn vow to the Lord

v. 3: David was so serious about this promise that he said he would not go into his house or rest in his bed until he worked on finding a home for the Lord

v. 4: The passage also remembers how the people of Israel looked for the ark. They heard of it at Ephratah (Shiloh, in Ephraim) and later found it in the fields of the wood (Kirjath-jearim) (1 Samuel 7:2; 1 Chronicles 13:6 ). Solomon’s building of the temple fulfilled the hopes of the people, giving them a permanent place to worship God.

v. 5: The people responded by saying, We will go into his tabernacle: we will worship at his footstool (Psalm 132:7 ). Now that there was a set place for God’s presence, the people promised to gather and honor Him there. When God’s people have a place to worship, they will come together to praise Him.

v. 6: Solomon then prays for God’s blessing on the temple: Arise, O Lord

v. 7: He also prays for the priests: Let your priests be clothed with righteousness (Psalm 132:9 ). Solomon asks God to help the priests live holy and good lives, so their service will honor God and help the people.

v. 8: Solomon prays that the people will be joyful: Let your saints shout for joy (Psalm 132:9 ). When the leaders serve God faithfully, the people can rejoice and find happiness in worship. A faithful ministry brings joy to the whole community (2 Corinthians 1:24 ).

v. 9: Finally, Solomon asks God to accept his prayers and not to turn away the face of His anointed one (Psalm 132:10 ). He pleads for God’s favor, not because of personal merit, but because he is David’s son and God’s chosen one. This is also a picture of how we pray in the name of Jesus, God’s true Anointed. For Christ’s sake, we ask God to bless His people and His church (Isaiah 42:1 ).

God's Choice of Zion; God's Promises to ZionThis passage contains wonderful promises from God, confirmed by an oath, so that His people can be confident and comforted (Hebrews 6:17-18 ). These promises are about both the royal family of David and the city of Zion. God’s promises to David’s descendants point to Jesus Christ, and His promises to Zion point to the blessings of the church. These words encourage us to trust God’s faithfulness in both spiritual and practical matters.v. 11: God chose David’s family to be the royal family and made a promise with an oath: The Lord

v. 12: God said, If your children keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon your throne forevermore . God promised to teach David’s descendants, but they had to obey. When they did not, the royal line was broken. But in Christ, the promise is fulfilled forever for all who belong to Him (Revelation 3:21 ).

v. 13: God also chose Zion as His special place: The Lord

v. 14: God said, This is my rest forever; here will I dwell, for I have desired it . God promised to stay with His people always. Even though the old city was destroyed, God’s presence remains with His church forever (1 Timothy 3:15 ).

v. 15: God promised to bless Zion with everything needed for life: I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread . Where God is honored, there will be enough for everyone, even the poor. God’s blessing makes even a little seem like much, and He cares for both physical and spiritual needs (Psalm 67:6 ).

v. 16: God also promised spiritual blessings: I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy . God will make His ministers effective in bringing salvation, and His people will rejoice even more than they asked for. God gives more than we can imagine when we pray for His work.

v. 17: God said, There I will make the horn of David to bud . This means David’s royal power would grow and be strong. Jesus is the “horn of salvation” who brings powerful and lasting salvation to God’s people (Psalm 75:10 ).

v. 18: God promised, His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown shall flourish (Psalm 132:18 ). God will defeat the enemies of His chosen king, and the king’s honor and rule will last forever. This is fully true in Jesus, whose kingdom and crown will never fade (Proverbs 27:24 ).