Arise, O LORD,
This phrase is a call for God to take action, often used in the context of seeking divine intervention or presence. It echoes the language used in Numbers 10:35, where Moses would say, "Rise up, O LORD!" whenever the Ark set out. This invocation suggests a desire for God's active presence and leadership among His people. It reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in the affairs of humanity.

to Your resting place,
The "resting place" refers to the location where God's presence would dwell among His people. In the context of Psalm 132, it likely alludes to the temple in Jerusalem, which was considered God's earthly dwelling place. This concept is rooted in the idea of the temple as a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His promise to be with them. Theologically, it points to the ultimate rest found in God's presence, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament with the promise of eternal rest for believers (Hebrews 4:9-11).

You and the ark of Your strength.
The "ark of Your strength" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which was a central symbol of God's presence and power among the Israelites. The Ark contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, representing God's covenant, leadership, and provision. It was carried into battle as a sign of God's might and was housed in the Holy of Holies within the temple. The Ark's presence signified God's strength and faithfulness to His people. In Christian typology, the Ark is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who embodies God's presence and strength, fulfilling the Law and providing spiritual sustenance.

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is called upon to arise and take His place among His people.

2. The Ark of the Covenant
Referred to as "the ark of Your strength," it symbolizes God's presence, power, and covenant with Israel. It was central to Israel's worship and represented God's throne on earth.

3. Zion (Jerusalem)
The resting place mentioned in the broader context of Psalm 132, where the Ark was brought and where God chose to dwell among His people.

4. David
The king who desired to bring the Ark to Jerusalem and establish a permanent dwelling place for God, reflecting his heart for worship and God's presence.

5. Solomon
David's son, who ultimately built the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father's desire for a permanent resting place for the Ark.God's Presence is Central
Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence, believers today are called to prioritize God's presence in their lives through worship, prayer, and obedience.

A Heart for God's Dwelling
Like David, we should have a desire for God to dwell among us, both individually and corporately as the body of Christ.

The Fulfillment in Christ
Jesus is the ultimate "resting place" of God, where His presence and power are fully realized. Believers are invited to find rest in Him.

Reverence and Joy in Worship
The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem was marked by celebration and reverence. Our worship should reflect both joy and awe for who God is.

God's Faithfulness to His Covenant
The Ark was a reminder of God's promises. We can trust in God's faithfulness to His Word and His covenant with us through Christ.(8-10) These are the words which the chronicler (2Chronicles 6:41-42) puts into Solomon's mouth at the dedication of the Temple. Some think that they are there only as a quotation from this psalm, but the mode in which the words are here introduced points the other way. The psalmist does not at his distance from the events distinguish between David and Solomon. He merges the executor of the work in the projector; and in honour of the second Temple it is as natural for him to take up words used at the actual dedication of the first as it was to refer to the original purpose in David's mind. All is blended together in the long perspective of poetry. As to the form of the words, they are of course themselves a reminiscence of the ancient battle-cry of the nation when the Ark set forward on the march. (See Psalm 68:1, Note.) The mention of the Ark does not definitely dispose of the Maccabaean theory of this psalm, though it doubtless must weigh against it. The quotation may have been adopted generally without meaning literal correspondence between all the circumstances--just as the battle-cry had become merely a religious formula--or, as Lightfoot and Prideaux suggest (see Prideaux, Connection, i. 141), there may have been an ark made for the second Temple in imitation of the original.

(8) Ark of thy strength.--See the reference in Chronicles. The expression occurs nowhere else but in Psalm 78:61, where the word strength by itself denotes the ark. The technical word ark nowhere else occurs in the psalms. For strength the LXX. and Vulg. have "sanctification."

Verse 8. - Arise, O Lord, into thy rest. Another transfer, but into the place of final "rest." The words are a quotation from 2 Chronicles 8:41, and were uttered originally by Solomon at the close of his long dedication prayer. Thou, and the ark of thy strength. The quotation continues. God is regarded as entering the temple, and taking possession of it, in and with the ark.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Arise,
קוּמָ֣ה (qū·māh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

O LORD,
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to Your resting place,
לִמְנוּחָתֶ֑ךָ (lim·nū·ḥā·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4496: Repose, peacefully, consolation, an abode

You
אַ֝תָּ֗ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

and the ark
וַאֲר֥וֹן (wa·’ă·rō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

of Your strength.
עֻזֶּֽךָ׃ (‘uz·ze·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might


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OT Poetry: Psalm 132:8 Arise Yahweh into your resting place (Psalm Ps Psa.)