Psalms 132:1-3

Psalm 132

A song of ascents.

132:1 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.


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

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.

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”).

tn Heb “the powerful [one] of Jacob.”

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

tn Heb “the tent of my house.”

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