Psalm 132

Read Psalm 132

“Remember, O Lord, in David's favor, all the hardships he endured.” David was willing to face suffering in order to “find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” As devout worshipers made their way to Mount Zion in Jerusalem in the years that followed, they walked on with David's zeal for the Almighty. “Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool!”

Those who had traveled from distant lands directed their plea to God. “Arise, O Lord, and go to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might.” They wanted more than a holy building. Their longing was for God Himself. Would their worship, offered up by the Levitical priests, be acceptable to God? Only if the priests were “clothed with righteousness” would the Lord's worshipers be able to rejoice with confidence. Even the king, the anointed son of David, needed God to receive his gifts according to the system that had been established in the Law of Moses. As the people drew near to their destination, they sang out to the Lord, “For the sake of Your servant David, do not turn away the face of Your anointed one.”

The God of Israel had sworn an oath to David concerning the reign of his descendants. The Lord's promise was “forever,” but it required the obedience of future kings. “If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.”

The Lord was determined to make Zion His “resting place forever.” Even though the kings in the line of David brought great trouble upon Israel and Judah, the Lord provided one perfect King in order to secure His promises to His people. This final King has established a new temple through His death and resurrection. We who call upon His Name have become the resting place that God desired.

No longer do we approach the Almighty through the Levitical priesthood. All who worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and are counted as priests in the new Zion that is coming down upon the earth from heaven. The Lord will have the “resting place” He desired. We will “shout for joy,” and the crown of Christ will shine forever, but His enemies He will “clothe with shame.”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

God in Heaven, be with Your people who trust in the greatest Son of David. We are Your priests forever. We are counted as Your holy ones in Him. A Messiah has come for us, and He reigns. His crown will shine forever. We will rest in Zion according to Your promise.