Psalm 132
Let us set the scene. The people are waiting for the lesson from the continuing Covenant. In just a little while, they were to hear a lesson from 2 Samuel 7, in which God swore to David that He would establish his kingdom forever and that his son would build a temple for the ark of God. It had been fulfilled. But now it's some time later, and one of David's descendants is king over Israel. He's asked the people to pray that God would now fulfill His oath to defend and maintain the kingdom, since there was apparently a present danger from one of Israel's enemies.
So, as the people are ascending to Zion for worship and for the lesson that was to come, they sang this psalm as their prayer. It's a simple prayer. They said, "Lord, remember David and all his afflictions." In other words, they were asking God to "remember" His oath to David by helping them in this present emergency.
The song asks God to remember the vow David made to God to build the house of God at Jerusalem. They repeat it now when they sing, "Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house . . .until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the mighty One of Jacob."
Additionally, they ask God to remember how David had added the exclamation point to that vow by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem from its resting place in Kirjath Jearim.
Next, they ask God also to remember His promise that David and his sons would "sit upon the throne forevermore."
Finally, they remind God of His own choice of Zion as the visible symbol of His presence with His people. They remind God that He had said, "Here I will dwell, for I have desired it . . . I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon Himself His crown shall flourish." Based on these promises of Jehovah, the people ask Him to defend them in their present situation.
It is for us as well. Our Lord Jesus Christ, David's Son, is upon the everlasting throne. He's building the everlasting temple - the Church - in our day, and while He is building it, He's dwelling in it by His Spirit. Just as in David's day, He's come to dwell with His people, saying, "Here I will dwell, for I have desired it." The Church is precious to Him, and in response to her prayer He will defend her from all her enemies.
Who are its enemies today? The world, the flesh, and the Devil are certainly three. If yours is a believing church, then it's part of that great Kingdom, and you can and should pray daily for it. Pray that Satan and his host will not overcome its leaders nor any of its people today. Name both leaders and people as you pray. Pray that your church may be a light in an evil world today, reflecting the glories of her King and Savior.
QuoteIf yours is a believing church, then it's part of that great Kingdom, and you can and should pray daily for it. Pray that Satan and his host will not overcome its leaders nor any of its people today. Name both leaders and people as you pray. Pray that your church may be a light in an evil world today, reflecting the glories of her King and Savior.
What a wonderful reminder, Alan. Thank you once again today.
How we should all pray.
yes, I agree it is very important to pray for our spiritual leaders :thumbsup: