Psalm 132

The Pilgrim has arrived.  What does that look like, when we arrive at our destination?  The answer is very clear in this Old Testament Psalm, an answer that fits pilgrims today.  “Pilgrimage” is a journey to God.  We have seen how the pilgrim grew tired of the evil place where he lived and turned his attention to Jerusalem.  God promised to help him (Ps. 122) and He did, all along the way.  The pilgrim may not realize it but he was drawing closer to God all throughout the journey; to arrive at Jerusalem provided a remarkable conclusion.

Before he started his journey the pilgrim thought about what it would be like when he arrived at the City (Ps. 122).  He knew what he had read or heard.  In Jerusalem was the house of David (122:5) and the house of the LORD our God (122:9), the temple David had wanted to build but which his son Solomon built.

So is it any wonder that upon arrival the pilgrim’s attention is drawn to David?

·        132:1-5: He remembers David’s zeal for God’s house.  Even before there was a temple David had a deep desire to provide the place for God’s dwelling.  David wanted to be close to God; our pilgrim had the same desire.

·        132:6-7: The call had gone out: Let us go into His tabernacle; let us worship at His footstool.  Oh to be in God’s presence, the same longing Mary had for being at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42).

·        132:8-10: These words Solomon said in his prayer for the temple (2 Chr. 6:41-42).  He called upon God to come to His resting place, to dwell with His people.  We were all created for this.  Our souls are empty without it. 

·        132:10-12: In v10 Solomon turns from the LORD’s house, to David’s house.  God had made a covenant with David to have a house forever.  Do not turn away the face of Your Anointed.  David was God’s anointed; but the word is Hebrew for Messiah, who will fulfill the covenant forever.

·        132:13-18:  Thus God answers the prayer of Solomon.  First, He will come, as He did that day, and dwell in the temple (v13-16), even though it is not near big enough to house the Almighty God.  Second, He will make the horn of David grow … prepare a lamp for My Anointed. 

So the question we asked is: what does it look like when we arrive at the place of pilgrimage?  What do we see?  WE SEE JESUS CHRIST!  He is God who will fill the Holy City and the future temple with His glorious presence.  As Jeremiah said, there will be no Ark of the Covenant in that day because it will be the throne of the LORD (Jer. 3:16-17).  And the High Priest will also be the King, reigning from the throne of David.  Mary was right.  To sit at the feet of Jesus was to be at God’s footstool.  Paul was right to want to know Christ (Phil. 3:10).  Jesus said it: He who has seen Me has seen the Father (John 14:6-11). 

Where did you think you were headed?  Where ARE you headed?