Meaning of Psalms 132:7

This verse from Psalm 132 expresses a profound yearning for God's presence and a commitment to approaching Him with reverence and devotion. The psalmist, likely speaking on behalf of the community of Israel, calls for a communal journey to the place where God has chosen to dwell, identified here as "his dwelling place" and "his footstool." This is not a casual invitation but a fervent plea to actively seek out God's presence and engage in worship. The act of going to the dwelling place and worshipping at the footstool signifies humility and recognition of God's supreme authority and majesty, acknowledging that one is approaching the very throne of the Almighty. The phrase "let us go" emphasizes a collective, intentional movement towards sacred space, highlighting the importance of communal worship and shared spiritual pursuit.

Context and Background

Psalm 132 is a psalm of ascent, often sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the festivals. It specifically focuses on the establishment of David's kingship and God's covenant with him to establish a lasting dynasty and a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. The "dwelling place" refers to the tabernacle, and later, the Temple in Jerusalem, where God's presence was believed to reside. The "footstool" is a metaphor for the Ark of the Covenant itself, representing God's throne on earth (1 Chronicles 28:2, Isaiah 66:1). The psalm recalls God's oath to David and the promises of blessing and security that would accompany the presence of the Ark in Zion.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Presence: The central theme is God's desire to dwell among His people and His people's longing for that presence. The Ark of the Covenant was the tangible symbol of God's inhabitation.
• Communal Worship: The repeated use of "let us" emphasizes the communal nature of faith and worship. It is an invitation for the entire community to participate in seeking God.
• Reverence and Humility: Worshipping at God's "footstool" underscores the immense gap between the Creator and the created. It calls for awe, respect, and the recognition of God's sovereignty.
• Faithfulness and Covenant: The psalm is deeply rooted in God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to David, which are intrinsically linked to His dwelling place in Zion.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse speaks to the ongoing pursuit of God's presence in our lives. While the physical Temple and Ark are no longer the primary means of accessing God's presence, the New Testament teaches that believers themselves have become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, the call to "go to his dwelling place" can be interpreted as a call to enter into prayer, to engage in corporate worship with fellow believers, and to cultivate an inner life where God's presence is continually sought and honored. Worshipping at His "footstool" translates to approaching God with humility, recognizing our dependence on Him and His supreme authority over all aspects of our lives, even as we are invited into intimate relationship with Him.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Psalm 132's emphasis on a permanent dwelling place for God's presence foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Furthermore, the concept of the Temple as God's dwelling place finds its ultimate realization in the new Jerusalem described in Revelation, where "the dwelling place of God is with man" (Revelation 21:3). The psalm's focus on David's lineage also points to Jesus, the Son of David, through whom God's eternal kingdom is established.

Analogies

• Pilgrimage to a Royal Palace: Imagine a subject longing to be in the presence of their king. They would travel to the royal palace, the seat of power, and approach with great respect, perhaps prostrating themselves at the king's feet or footstool as a sign of submission and honor.
• Returning Home: For someone far from home, there is a deep longing to return to the familiar comfort and presence of loved ones. Similarly, believers can feel a spiritual pull to return to the "home" of God's presence.
• A Sacred Altar: Just as ancient peoples would approach a sacred altar with offerings and a sense of awe, believers approach God in worship, offering their praise and devotion.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Chronicles 28:2: "King David rose to his feet and said: 'Hear me, my brothers and my people! I had it in my heart to build a house for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, as a footstool for our God, and I had made preparations for building it.'" This verse directly links the Temple construction to David's desire to create a footstool for God, echoing the imagery in Psalm 132.
• Isaiah 66:1: "Thus says the Lord: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?'" This prophetic passage uses similar imagery to emphasize God's transcendence, yet also His willingness to be present among His people.
• Matthew 12:6: "I tell you, something greater than the temple is here." Jesus identifies Himself as the true dwelling place of God, surpassing the physical Temple.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." This New Testament verse shifts the understanding of God's dwelling place to the believer's body.
• Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'" This verse points to the ultimate eschatological fulfillment of God dwelling with His people.