Psalms of Ascent: Psalm 132

Psalms 120 – 135 are a series of 15 Psalms sung by pilgrims either on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the festivals or at the festivals themselves.

Together they are called the "Psalms of Ascent". 

Over the next several days, I want to explore some of the ways these ancient Psalms sung by pilgrims many years ago relate to us today. 

These Psalms speak of hope, passion, future dreams, desire and trust while on a journey that reminds them, and us, of past memories, present sufferings and future promises. 

The Psalms of Ascent point us to the hope that is present in the midst of whatever journey you are on.

Psalm 132 (NLT)
Lord, remember David
    and all that he suffered.
2 He made a solemn promise to the Lord.
    He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,[Jacob]
3 “I will not go home;
    I will not let myself rest.
4 I will not let my eyes sleep
    nor close my eyelids in slumber
5 until I find a place to build a house for the Lord,
    a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.[Jacob]”
6 We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah;
    then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.
7 Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord;
    let us worship at the footstool of his throne.
8 Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place,
    along with the Ark, the symbol of your power.
9 May your priests be clothed in godliness;
    may your loyal servants sing for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
    do not reject the king you have anointed.
11 The Lord swore an oath to David
    with a promise he will never take back:
“I will place one of your descendants
    on your throne.
12 If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant
    and the laws that I teach them,
then your royal line
    will continue forever and ever.”
13 For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem[Zion];
    he has desired it for his home.
14 “This is my resting place forever,” he said.
    “I will live here, for this is the home I desired.
15 I will bless this city and make it prosperous;
    I will satisfy its poor with food.
16 I will clothe its priests with godliness;
    its faithful servants will sing for joy.
17 Here I will increase the power of David;
    my anointed one will be a light for my people.
18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
    but he will be a glorious king.”

The author of this psalm is unknown, but many suspect it was a song sung by generations of Pilgrims to Jerusalem to honour David, their great leader and King. What is the relevance of this honour for a leader who lived thousands of years ago? How does it relate to you and me? The author moves from an honouring of David to an almost prophetic tone. Is this psalm speaking prophetically to all leaders?

Over the past few years, leaders have risen, and leaders have fallen, leaders have been elected, and leaders have seized power. Some have been good leaders, others poor leaders. Some build up the people, others are focused on their own power and gain.

In this Psalm we are reminded of the true role of a leader. It talks about David being "a light for (God’s) people". True leadership is never about us as leaders and our selfish ambition. It is always about being a light to others. 

But this is where it gets tricky in our age. Too many think that we should expect all leaders to act in a godly fashion. Too many confuse the role of leadership in Old Testament Israel with leaders in the western world today. 

This psalm is a reminder about how God’s sees and builds up a leader who is focused on doing what is right.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for the reminder that I am meant to be a light to others. Thank you for reminding me that it is you who promotes and increases my power, authority and influence. Forgive me for the times when I have striven to attain success through my pitiful attempts at self-promotion. Let every leader – including myself – be reminded that as a leader, we are meant to be a light to all people. Amen.