Psalm 132

It is not likely that this is a postexilic psalm. The ark is mentioned (v. 8), and after the destruction of the temple, the ark disappeared from the scene. Also, the writer referred in verse 10 to a king from David’s dynasty, and there was no Davidic king after Zedekiah, until Jesus came to earth. Nobody in postexilic Jerusalem was anointed as king. Since verses 8-10 are quoted by Solomon in his prayer at the dedication of the temple (2 Chron. 6:41-42), perhaps this psalm was written for that occasion. It could well have been a litany, with the worship leader opening (vv. 1-5) and the people responding (vv. 6-10). The leader then quoted God’s words to David (vv. 10-12), and the people or a choir closed with a recital of God’s promises to Israel (vv. 13-18). Note especially the references to David in Solomon’s prayer (2 Chron. 6:3-11, 15-17). Psalm 132 also parallels Psalm 89 but is more optimistic in outlook. Note in 89 the use of anointed (v. 20; 132:10), enemy (vv. 22-23; 132:18), horn (v. 24; 132:17), and throne (v. 29). (For other “Zion psalms,” see 24, 48, 68, and 89.) The completion of the temple was no assurance of God’s blessing on Israel, for the important thing was that the people fulfill their responsibilities toward the Lord.