Psalm 132:1-3

New Catholic Bible

Footnotes

1. Psalm 132:1 By means of this psalm, the pilgrims, assembled for the procession, sing the glory of Zion, the dwelling place of God and the residence of his anointed, i.e., the king descended from David and like him, was consecrated with holy oil. Doubtless, this is a celebration of the anniversary of the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem at the time of King David (see 2 Sam 6; 1 Chr 13–16). This hymn provides a splendid occasion to remind God of the commitment he made in favor of his people: David had sworn to build a dwelling in which to house the Ark, sign of the divine presence, and it was the Lord who promised him that he would ensure his lineage on the royal throne (see oracle of Nathan: 2 Sam 7; 1 Chr 17) at Jerusalem, where the king had projected to build God’s residence.
   Each new reign gave birth to a new hope, for every one of David’s descendants is “anointed,” that is, “Messiah” in Hebrew and “Christ” in Greek. When the fallibility of the monarchy became flagrant, the hope subsisted with more intensity. All Israel awaits a last descendant of David, a true Messiah, who will permanently restore God’s reign and his worship forever. It will be the time of God’s glory and salvation; it will be the coming of Jesus Christ, Son of David, whom Luke (Lk 1:69) presents to us by citing verse 17 of this psalm. Verses 8-10, 16 are cited by the Chronicler at the end of the prayer of Solomon (see 2 Chr 6:41f).
   Therefore, as we pray this psalm, we can remind God of the merits of David as well as those of Christ, asking him to fulfill the oaths made to David as supplementary motives for fulfilling those made to Christ. We can urge him to enthrone his Son fully in the heavenly Zion and establish therein his perfect kingship for the benefit of his faithful and the eternal confusion of his enemies.
2. Psalm 132:1 All the difficulties he endured: in the conquest of Jerusalem (see 2 Sam 5:6-12) and in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:1-23). Some translate: “and all his anxious care,” i.e., to build the temple (see 2 Sam 7:1-17; 1 Ki 8:17).
3. Psalm 132:2 Although the oath and vow of David have not been recorded in the Bible, it is clear that when David heard that God had blessed Obed-edom, the guardian of the ark (see 2 Sam 6:12), he immediately made efforts to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. Mighty One of Jacob: a title used by Jacob in Gen 49:24 and by Isaiah (49:26; 60:16) that emphasizes God’s action in saving and redeeming his people. Jacob: a synonym for Israel (see Gen 32:28f).