What I Noticed Today (Psalms 132-138)
Psalm 132
Psalm 132 is a call to the people of Israel to remember David’s vow concerning the placement of the ark.
In verses 1-5, the psalmist cries out to God to remember David’s hardships and his promise to find a dwelling place for the ark.
In verses 6-10, the congregation remembers the ark in Ephrathah and Jaar (1 Samuel 7:1-2) before it arrived in Jerusalem where the priests, clothed in righteousness, shouted for joy.
In verses 11-18, the psalmist restates the Davidic covenant; David’s descendants would sit on the throne forever, the Lord had chosen Jerusalem as His dwelling place, and would abundantly bless His chosen people.
Psalm 133
Psalm 133 was written by David describing the goodness of brothers who dwell in unity.
In verses 1-3, David states it is good for brothers to dwell together in unity; comparing it to precious oil or the morning dew on Mt. Herman.
Psalm 134
In verses 1-3, the psalmist calls on the servants of the Lord to praise Him with hands lifted up, asking the Lord to bless them.
Psalm 135
Psalm 135 is a praise song calling on the priests to praise the Lord.
In verses 1-3, the psalmist calls on the servants of the Lord (priests) to praise God because He is good.
In verses 4-18, the psalmist provides reasons for giving God the praise: God chose Israel, He is above all others gods, He is sovereign over all heaven and earth, He defeated Egypt and nations to bring the people to the Promised Land, and He endures forever.
In verses 19-21, the psalmist calls on all Israel to praise God from Zion who dwells in Jerusalem.
Psalm 136
Psalm 136 is a praise psalm similar to Psalm 135. The “Lord’s loyal love” (or “steadfast love” depending on the translation) is repeated in each of the 26 verses.
In verses 1-3, the psalmist calls on the people to thank the Lord, who is the Lord of Lords.
In verses 4-25, the psalmist lists the reasons for praising the Lord: His wonders, His creation, His help to Israel, bringing them into the Promised Land, and freeing them from their enemies.
In verse 26, the psalmist calls on the people to give thanks to the God of Heaven because of His enduring love.
Note: this is the only place in the Book of Psalms where the title “God of Heaven” is used.
Psalm 137
Psalm 137 reveals the torment of the nation Israel because the city of God had been destroyed.
In verses 1-4, the psalmist remembers how the exiles wept over the destruction of Jerusalem.
In verses 5-6, the psalmist promised to remember Jerusalem, his greatest joy.
In verses 7-9, the psalmist prays for God to remember the Edomites who rejoiced as the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and the Babylonians who dashed the children of Jerusalem upon the rocks.
Psalm 138
Psalm 138 is a psalm of David praising the Lord for his love and goodness in answering his prayer.
In verses 1-3, David promised to praise the Lord in the temple for His faithfulness in answering David’s prayer.
In verses 4-5, David prayed that all the earth would praise and sing to the glory of the Lord.
In verses 6-8, David says that the Lord looks after the lowly. God preserved his life in the midst of trouble and delivered him from his enemies because His steadfast love endures forever.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
