◄ Psalm 132:9 ►
May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and Your saints shout for joy.
Study Bible
May Your priests be clothed with righteousness
The phrase "May Your priests be clothed with righteousness" is rich with imagery and theological significance. The Hebrew word for "clothed" (לבש, "lavash") suggests being enveloped or covered, indicating a transformation or an endowment of character. In the Old Testament, priests wore specific garments as a sign of their consecration and service to God (Exodus 28). These garments symbolized purity and dedication. Here, the psalmist prays for the priests to be adorned not just in physical garments but in "righteousness" (צדקה, "tsedaqah"), which implies moral integrity and justice. This righteousness is not self-derived but is a divine gift, reflecting God's own character. Historically, the role of the priest was to mediate between God and the people, and their righteousness was essential for the efficacy of their ministry. In a broader Christian context, this can be seen as a call for all believers, who are described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), to live lives marked by righteousness, reflecting Christ's righteousness imputed to them.

and Your saints shout for joy
The phrase "and Your saints shout for joy" speaks to the response of the faithful to the righteousness of the priests and the presence of God. The term "saints" (חסידיך, "chasidim") refers to those who are faithful and devoted to God, often translated as "holy ones" or "godly ones." These are individuals who have set themselves apart for God's purposes. The Hebrew word for "shout for joy" (רנן, "ranan") conveys a sense of exuberant, triumphant praise. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep, spiritual exultation rooted in the experience of God's presence and blessing. Historically, the joy of the saints is often linked to the fulfillment of God's promises and the anticipation of His kingdom. In the Christian tradition, this joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is deeply connected to the salvation and hope found in Jesus Christ. The joy of the saints is both a present reality and a future hope, as they look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the new creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests
In the context of ancient Israel, priests were the mediators between God and the people, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple. They were expected to live lives of holiness and righteousness.

2. Saints
Refers to the faithful followers of God, often seen as those who are set apart for His purposes. In the New Testament context, this term is expanded to include all believers in Christ.

3. Temple Worship
The setting of this Psalm is likely related to the dedication of the temple or a similar event where God's presence and the role of the priests were central.

4. Davidic Covenant
Psalm 132 is part of the Songs of Ascents and is often associated with the promises made to David regarding his lineage and the establishment of his throne.

5. Zion
Represents the city of Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Israel, and the location of the temple where God's presence dwelt among His people.
Teaching Points
The Call to Righteousness
Just as the priests were to be clothed in righteousness, believers today are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness. This involves daily choices to pursue what is right and just.

Joy in Holiness
The joy of the saints is directly connected to the righteousness of the priests. When leaders and believers live in accordance with God's will, it brings joy and unity to the community of faith.

Spiritual Garments
Consider what it means to be "clothed" in righteousness. This is not just about outward actions but an inward transformation that reflects Christ's character.

Role of the Church
As a royal priesthood, the church is called to mediate God's presence to the world. This involves both proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel through righteous living.

Legacy of Faithfulness
The connection to the Davidic Covenant reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises. Our response should be one of faithfulness in our own lives, trusting in His eternal plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of being "clothed with righteousness" challenge your current lifestyle and choices?

2. In what ways can you, as part of the "royal priesthood," mediate God's presence to those around you?

3. How does the joy of the saints relate to the righteousness of the leaders in your church or community?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy as a result of living in alignment with God's will. How can this encourage you to pursue righteousness?

5. How does understanding the role of priests in the Old Testament enhance your view of your identity and responsibilities as a believer today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28:2
Discusses the garments of the priests, symbolizing their role and the righteousness they were to embody.

Isaiah 61:10
Speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation and righteousness, drawing a parallel to the spiritual attire of believers.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament role of priests to the New Testament church.

Revelation 19:8
Refers to the righteous acts of the saints as fine linen, symbolizing purity and holiness.
Sermons
A Righteous PulpitDavid Thomas, D. D.Psalm 132:9
Joy in the LordPsalm 132:9
The Connection Between a Pious Ministry and a Happy ChurchN. McMichael.Psalm 132:9
The Holy ClothingR. Tuck Psalm 132:9
A Prayer for the House of DavidT. W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 132:1-18
Spiritual WorshipC. Short Psalm 132:1-18
The House of GodJ. Stalker, D. D.Psalm 132:1-18
The Song of the BuildersA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 132:1-18
God's House and WorshippersG. F. Fessey, M. A.Psalm 132:7-9
On the SanctuaryBishop Dehon.Psalm 132:7-9
Public WorshipR. Macnair.Psalm 132:7-9
The Devout Worshipper's Resolution and Ardent PrayerJ. G. Breay, B. A.Psalm 132:7-9
Blessings on the SanctuaryW. M. Punshon, LL. D.Psalm 132:8-9
The Church the Rest of the LordS. Conway Psalm 132:8, 9
The Gracious Presence of God in His Own OrdinancesJohn Young, D. D.Psalm 132:8-9
People
David, Ephratah, Ephrath, Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Aloud, Clothed, Cries, Cry, Godly, Joy, Ones, Pious, Priest, Priests, Righteousness, Saints, Shout, Sing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 132:9

     5145   clothing
     7021   church, OT anticipations
     7155   saints

Psalm 132:6-9

     8288   joy, of Israel

Psalm 132:8-12

     1351   covenant, with David

Library
An Examination of Post-Millennialism.
Post-millennialists teach that the only Kingdom over which Christ will ever reign is a spiritual and celestial one. They say that those Jews who expected their Messiah to set up a visible and material Kingdom on the earth were mistaken, that they erred in the interpretation of their prophetic Scriptures and cherished a carnal and unworthy hope. Let us examine this assertion in the light of God's Word. In Psalm 132:11 we read "The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; He will not turn from it: Of the …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Vive Jesus. Preface.
THE Holy Ghost teaches that the lips of the heavenly Spouse, that is The Church, resemble scarlet and the dropping honeycomb, [15] to let every one know that all the doctrine which she announces consists in sacred love; of a more resplendent red than scarlet on account of the blood of the spouse whose love inflames her, sweeter than honey on account of the sweetness of the beloved who crowns her with delights. So this heavenly spouse when he thought good to begin the promulgation of his law, cast …
St. Francis de Sales—Treatise on the Love of God

Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of Its Author
In Isaiah 41:21-23 we have what is probably the most remarkable challenge to be found in the Bible. "Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and show us what shall happen; let them show the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods." This Scripture has both a negative …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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