Discovery BoxPsalms 132:1-5 
ContextA song of ascents. 2
132:1 O Lord, for David’s sake remember
all his strenuous effort, 3
132:2 and how he made a vow to the Lord,
and swore an oath to the powerful ruler of Jacob. 4
132:3 He said, 5 “I will not enter my own home, 6
or get into my bed. 7
132:4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep,
or my eyelids to slumber,
132:5 until I find a place for the Lord,
1 sn Psalm 132. The psalmist reminds God of David’s devotion and of his promises concerning David’s dynasty and Zion.
2 sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.
3 tn Heb “all his affliction.” This may refer to David’s strenuous and tireless efforts to make provision for the building of the temple (see 1 Chr 22:14). Some prefer to revocalize the text as עַנַוָתוֹ (’anavato, “his humility”).
4 tn Heb “the powerful [one] of Jacob.”
5 tn The words “he said” are supplied in the translation to clarify that what follows is David’s vow.
6 tn Heb “the tent of my house.”
7 tn Heb “go up upon the bed of my couch.”
8 tn The plural form of the noun may indicate degree or quality; David envisions a special dwelling place (see Pss 43:3; 46:4; 84:1).
9 tn Heb “the powerful [one] of Jacob.”
