Psalms 130-134

FINAL SONGS OF ASCENT

Psalm 131. Of David.
Song of Quiet Trust

1 O LORD, I humble my heart and lower my eyes before you, knowing there are things that are too lofty for me to understand.
2 My soul is calm and quiet, like a small child close to its mother.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD forever.

Psalm 132
The Temple of God in Zion

1-5 Remember, O LORD, David's hardships, how he vowed to the Mighty One that he would not sleep until he found you a dwelling place.
6-7 From throughout Israel, we heard the call to worship.
8-9 Rise up, O LORD, go to your resting place, with your ark, your priests clothed in righteousness, and your faithful shouting for joy.
10-12 For David's sake, as you promised him, accept his descendants who are anointed to sit on your throne. A reference to God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:5, 12, and 16. His son, Solomon, would be the one to build the temple.
13-16 The LORD has chosen Zion as his resting place, blessing it, feeding its poor, clothing its priests.
17-18 In Jerusalem David would have power and royalty, bringing disgrace on his enemies but enhancing his royal position ("his crown will gleam").

Psalm 133
The Blessedness of Unity

1 How good it is when a family lives in unity!
2-3 It is like precious oil, like the dew falling on the mountains of Zion, which God has ordained to be blessed.

Psalm 134
Praise in the Night

1-2 Come, servants of God, bless him in the night, lift up your hands and bless him.
3 "May the LORD, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion." A fitting end to the Song of Ascents, especially if sung as the travelers were approaching the holy city, and for us, too, as we journey toward the heavenly Jerusalem.