Bible Glide

Psalms 132

Psalms 132 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 132 ties David's desire to honor the LORD with God's promise to establish David's house. It moves from David's search for a dwelling place for the ark to God's choice of Zion as His resting place and source of blessing.

Read in ReaderShare Passage

What happens in Psalms 132?

This song remembers David's hardship and his vow to keep seeking a place for the LORD's dwelling. It recalls the ark's location and calls the people to worship where God rests. The psalm then turns to God's oath to David, promising a lasting line on the throne if his descendants keep the covenant. The chapter ends with God's choice of Zion, where He will provide, bless the priests and people, strengthen David's house, and put his enemies to shame.

Psalm 132 is one of the Songs of Ascents, likely used by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. It stands near the middle of the Psalms of ascent, linking worship at Zion with God's covenant promises to David and the chosen place of His dwelling.

Themes to notice

  • David's devotionDavid's vow shows a deep concern to honor the LORD before seeking personal rest.
  • God's covenant promiseThe LORD's oath to David anchors hope in an enduring royal line.
  • Zion as God's dwellingGod's choice of Zion highlights His presence, blessing, and care for His people.

Questions for Psalms 132

  • What does David's vow tell us about his priorities and devotion to the LORD?
  • How does God's promise to David shape the psalm's hope for Israel's future?
  • What do the blessings on Zion suggest about God's presence among His people?

Read the full text of Psalms 132 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 132

The LORD Has Chosen Zion

A song of ascents.

1O LORD, remember on behalf of David

all the hardships he endured,

2how he swore an oath to the LORD,

and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3“I will not enter my house

or get into my bed,

4I will not give sleep to my eyes

or slumber to my eyelids,

5until I find a place for the LORD,

a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

6We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah;

we found it in the fields of Jaar.

7Let us go to His dwelling place;

let us worship at His footstool.

8Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place,

You and the ark of Your strength.

9May Your priests be clothed with righteousness,

and Your saints shout for joy.

10For the sake of Your servant David,

do not reject Your anointed one.

11The LORD swore an oath to David,

a promise He will not revoke:

“One of your descendants

I will place on your throne.

12If your sons keep My covenant

and the testimony I will teach them,

then their sons will also sit on your throne

forever and ever.”

13For the LORD has chosen Zion;

He has desired it for His home:

14“This is My resting place forever and ever;

here I will dwell, for I have desired this home.

15I will bless her with abundant provisions;

I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16I will clothe her priests with salvation,

and her saints will sing out in joy.

17There I will make a horn grow for David;

I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.

18I will clothe his enemies with shame,

but the crown upon him will gleam.”

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Psalms 132

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free AccountAsk About This Passage