06/09/2017: Psalm 132 | “At His Footstool” | Richard Ashton
This psalm was written as a prayer on behalf of King David,” is referenced as early as the dedication of the temple in Solomon’s reign. 2 Chron. 6:41
“Now arise, Lord God, and come to your resting place,
You: and the ark of your might. May your priests, Lord God, be clothed with salvation?
May your faithful people rejoice in your goodness?”
Ps 132: 1-10 NIV deals with David’s oath to God. Versus 11-18 is Gods recorded response.
1 LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured,
2 and how he swore an oath to the LORD, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3 “I will not enter my house or get into my bed,
4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber
5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 We heard of the ark in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool.
8 Arise LORD, come to your resting place, you and the ark that shows your might 9 May your priests be clothed with righteousness, and may your godly people shout for joy.
10 Because of Your servant David do not reject your anointed one
Psalm 132:1-10 recalls the fire in David’s soul to have the Ark of the Covenant in the city of Jerusalem. Glance at Exodus 25:21-22.
Associated with the Shekinah glory of God, the ark was the central location of worship in the Old Testament. In Psalm 132:7 the ark is referred to as God’s footstool. (Dwelling of the divine presence of God – rabbinic literature)
The history of the ark began following the exodus of God’s people from Egypt. The Israelites built the ark and carried it according to very specific, sacred instructions through the wilderness on their 40-year trek to Canaan. After they crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land, the ark was placed in Shiloh (Josh. 18:1)
1 Samuel 7:1. Where was the Ark taken?
So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord. They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the Lord.
Psalm 132:6
We heard of the Ark in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar- the search for the Ark
1 Chron. 13:3
Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.
No wonder God referred to him as a man after His own heart! David wanted God’s presence more than he wanted his anything else. He was hungry and jealous for the glory and worship of – and for sacred things to find their sacred places.
Boundaries of Blessing f or our welfare and benefit
Matt 24. As in the days of Noah – eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage.
2 Samuel 6:1-11. What happened?
Where the presence of the lord is there, there is peace and freedom 2 Cor. 3:17
Moses said – Lord if your presence is not with me I’m not going anywhere
Maybe you respectfully want to recall an example when God did not behave or respond as you expected Him to?
Weve already read some of this segment but let’s read and relish 2 Samuel 6:6-15.
12 Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.
13 When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
14 Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might,
15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
Let’s read 1 Chronicles 15:11-15. What did David do differently?
I can’t explain what happened, Lord, as I’ve had this fearful reminder of your inconceivable holiness and power.
But this I know: I cannot live without your presence. You are everything to me.
You are worthy of my praise, Lord.
Worth everything I have to do to adjust and alter my life to draw close to you.
Giving up nearness to you is out of the question. Knowing you is what I live for.
You are my love, my light, my salvation.
I will do anything to make my way to you, and I will move anything that slows your way to me. Teach me your ways, O Lord. Clear the path.
Arise, my God, and come to me
What a relief to remove any obstacle in our pathway to God, with repentance reverence and obedience.
Scripture tells us: Wearing a linen ephod, David danced before the Lord with all his might,
Lets Invite Him back today, with the fullness of His presence and remember the lesson of Obed-Edom. God cannot abide near you….without blessing you.
Somewhere in the heavenlies the music is playing, and it’s time for us to dance again.