Bible Commentary

Psalms 132:11-18

Matthew Henry on Psalms 132:11-18

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The Lord never turns from us when we plead the covenant with his anointed Prophet, Priest, and King. How vast is the love of God to man, that he should speak thus concerning his church! It is his desire to dwell with us; yet how little do we desire to dwell with him!

He abode in Zion till the sins of Israel caused him to give them up to the spoilers. Forsake us not, O God, and deliver us not in like manner, sinful though we are. God's people have a special blessing on common enjoyments, and that blessing puts peculiar sweetness into them.

Zion's poor have reason to be content with a little of this world, because they have better things prepared for them. God will abundantly bless the nourishment of the new man, and satisfy the poor in spirit with the bread of life.

He gives more than we ask, and when he gives salvation, he will give abundant joy. God would bring to nothing every design formed to destroy the house of David, until King Messiah should arise out of it, to sit upon the throne of his Father.

In him all the promises centre. His enemies, who will not have him to reign over them, shall at the last day be clothed with shame and confusion for ever.

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 132:11-18

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:1-18Psalms 132:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION This present "Song of Ascents" is well suited to be a "pilgrim-song"—sung by those who went up to Jerusalem to visit the temple, and revivify their faith in the God who had chosen Zion for his dwelling-place.…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:1-18Psalms 132:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe service of the sanctuary. We are accustomed to think of devotion in connection with the house of the Lord. The two things are clearly, though not inseparably, associated with one another. There may be piety where th…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:1-18Psalms 132:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentarySpiritual worship. "The psalmist, filled with the memory of many an ancient oracle in praise of David and his city Zion, unable to bear the thought that this ' beauty of all the earth,' for which David had toiled, shoul…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:11-18Psalms 132:11-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryGod's oath of promise to David. This passage is based mainly on 2 Samuel 7:11-16, but contains likewise expressions which seem taken from other psalms, as Psalms 48:1, Psalms 48:2; Psalms 68:16; Psalms 89:3, Psalms 89:4…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:11Psalms 132:11 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Lord hath sworn in truth unto David (comp. Psalms 89:3, Psalms 89:35). He will not turn from it. So it is said of another Divine oath, "The Lord sware, and will not repent" (Psalms 110:4). Of the fruit of thy body w…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:1-18Spiritual worship. "The psalmist, filled with the memory of many an ancient oracle in praise of David and his city Zion, unable to bear the thought that this ' beauty of all the earth,' for which David had toiled, shoul…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:1-18EXPOSITION This present "Song of Ascents" is well suited to be a "pilgrim-song"—sung by those who went up to Jerusalem to visit the temple, and revivify their faith in the God who had chosen Zion for his dwelling-place.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:1-18The service of the sanctuary. We are accustomed to think of devotion in connection with the house of the Lord. The two things are clearly, though not inseparably, associated with one another. There may be piety where th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:11The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David (comp. Psalms 89:3, Psalms 89:35). He will not turn from it. So it is said of another Divine oath, "The Lord sware, and will not repent" (Psalms 110:4). Of the fruit of thy body w…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:11-18God's oath of promise to David. This passage is based mainly on 2 Samuel 7:11-16, but contains likewise expressions which seem taken from other psalms, as Psalms 48:1, Psalms 48:2; Psalms 68:16; Psalms 89:3, Psalms 89:4…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:12If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne forevermore.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:12Conditional promises. "If thy children will keep my covenant." Is an unconditional promise, either human or Divine, conceivable? And if conceivable, is it reasonable, and could it ever be wise? It certainly could never…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 132:13-15Zion of the Lord beloved. I. SHE IS THE OBJECT OF THE LORD'S CHOICE. 1. We cannot get rid of the truth of God's election. Many would like to do so. It calls up in their minds thoughts of a very painful kind. It clouds f…Joseph S. Exell and contributors