Text -- Psalms 132:1-5 (NET)

Psalm 132

132:1 A song of ascents. O Lord, for David’s sake remember all his strenuous effort, 132:2 and how he made a vow to the Lord, and swore an oath to the powerful ruler of Jacob. 132:3 He said, “I will not enter my own home, or get into my bed. 132:4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep, or my eyelids to slumber, 132:5 until I find a place for the Lord, a fine dwelling place for the powerful ruler of Jacob.”

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Psa 132:1

¹ sn Psalm 132. The psalmist reminds God of David’s devotion and of his promises concerning David’s dynasty and Zion.

² sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.

³ tn Heb “all his affliction.” This may refer to David’s strenuous and tireless efforts to make provision for the building of the temple (see 1 Chr 22:14). Some prefer to revocalize the text as עַנַוָתוֹ (’anavato, “his humility”).

NET Notes: Psa 132:2

¹ tn Heb “the powerful [one] of Jacob.”

NET Notes: Psa 132:3

¹ tn The words “he said” are supplied in the translation to clarify that what follows is David’s vow.

² tn Heb “the tent of my house.”

³ tn Heb “go up upon the bed of my couch.”

NET Notes: Psa 132:5

¹ tn The plural form of the noun may indicate degree or quality; David envisions a special dwelling place (see Pss 43:3; 46:4; 84:1).

² tn Heb “the powerful [one] of Jacob.”