Psalm 132 3

Psalm 132:3 kjv

Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;

Psalm 132:3 nkjv

"Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house, Or go up to the comfort of my bed;

Psalm 132:3 niv

"I will not enter my house or go to my bed,

Psalm 132:3 esv

"I will not enter my house or get into my bed,

Psalm 132:3 nlt

"I will not go home;
I will not let myself rest.

Psalm 132 verses

Psalm 132 3 Meaning

Psalm 132:3 expresses King David's profound and unwavering commitment to finding a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, before attending to his own personal comfort and dwelling. It is a solemn oath where David vows not to settle into his own house or find repose in his bed until he has secured a suitable dwelling for the Lord. This demonstrates a deep prioritization of God's presence and worship over all personal needs and desires, showcasing a heart utterly devoted to the glory of God.

Psalm 132 3 Context

Psalm 132 is a "Song of Ascents," sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. It begins by recalling David's intense zeal and vow (vv. 1-5) to find a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, representing the presence of the Lord, which had previously been in a temporary tent. This human resolve is immediately followed by the divine response: God's sworn promise to David (vv. 11-12) to establish his lineage on the throne forever, and to make Zion (Jerusalem) His permanent dwelling place, blessing its inhabitants (vv. 13-18). Verse 3 is a direct statement of David's personal, radical dedication and sacrifice, illustrating the depth of his devotion that prefaces God's covenant faithfulness in the psalm. Historically, this captures the fervent period after the Ark's retrieval from Philistine captivity but before Solomon's Temple was built.

Psalm 132 3 Word analysis

• אִם (Im): This Hebrew particle literally means "if" or "surely," but in contexts like an oath or solemn vow, it functions as a strong, emphatic negative assertion. It's often rendered as "Surely I will not" or "I will not," implying a self-imposed curse if the vow is broken. This sets a tone of ultimate commitment and determination.
• אָבֹא (avo'): "I will enter." This is the first-person singular imperfect form of the verb bo', meaning "to come, go, enter." In this context, it signifies not just casual entry, but to settle in, take possession, or find established comfort. It implies a readiness to reside and cease the search.
• בְּאֹהֶל בֵּיתִי (b'ohel beiti): "into the tent of my house."
  • בְּ (b'): "in" or "into."
  • אֹהֶל (ohel): "tent" or "dwelling." Though David eventually built a cedar palace, at the time of his initial vow and until the temple was conceived, the most personal dwelling would likely still carry the imagery of a tent, even for a king, especially in contrast to the temporary nature of God's dwelling (the Ark's tent). It emphasizes his personal abode, however modest or grand.
  • בֵּיתִי (beiti): "my house." This denotes his personal residence, his place of privacy, comfort, and domestic life. The phrase emphasizes the sanctity of his private space.
• אִם אֶעֲלֶה (im e'eleh): "surely I will not go up" or "nor will I go up." The particle im repeats, reaffirming the absolute nature of the oath. E'eleh is the first-person singular imperfect form of 'alah, "to go up, ascend." Here, it specifically refers to getting into bed.
• עַל־עֶרֶשׂ יְצוּעָי (al-'eres y'tzu'ai): "onto the couch of my bed."
  • עַל (al): "on" or "upon."
  • עֶרֶשׂ ('eres): "couch" or "bed." This is the primary term for a sleeping place.
  • יְצוּעָי (y'tzu'ai): "my bed" or "my resting place." Y'tzu'a is also a term for a bed or bedding, emphasizing the personal, private, and comfortable space for sleep and rest. The two terms together amplify the idea of personal comfort and repose.
• Word-group analysis: "I will not enter my house or go to my bed": This phrase uses parallelism, characteristic of Hebrew poetry, to reinforce a single powerful idea: a total deprivation of personal rest and comfort. The "house" signifies general security and shelter, while the "bed" represents the ultimate intimate rest. David binds himself to forgo even these most basic human needs until God's dwelling is secured. This highlights the all-encompassing nature of his vow.

Psalm 132 3 Bonus section

The vow in Psalm 132:3 is not about building a magnificent temple for God initially; it's about finding any permanent and suitable resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence. David’s urgent desire was born from the awareness that God’s presence, manifested by the Ark, was in a temporary tent while he, the king, lived in a more settled dwelling (2 Sam 7). This passage highlights the concept of the immanence of God—His desire to dwell among His people, not just in abstract heavenly realms. David's resolve here also serves as a model for "putting feet" to faith; it's not enough to intellectually believe God deserves honor, but practical steps, even uncomfortable sacrifices, are required to embody that belief. This devotion also prefigures the ultimate "tent" or "tabernacle" God chose for Himself—the flesh of Jesus Christ, who "dwelt among us" (Jn 1:14), making the Divine presence fully accessible to humanity.

Psalm 132 3 Commentary

Psalm 132:3 is a poignant illustration of David's extraordinary zeal for the presence of God. It's not a mere statement of intent, but a binding, self-deprecating vow. By declaring he would forsake his own house (his personal security and domestic life) and his bed (his most fundamental need for rest and comfort), David elevated the establishment of God's dwelling to the supreme priority in his life. This radical commitment speaks volumes about his spiritual fervor. It reflects a heart deeply burdened for the glory of God, a heart that recognized the supreme importance of God's manifested presence among His people. This passionate devotion would become the foundation upon which God's enduring covenant with David was built, assuring him an eternal dynasty and securing Zion as His perpetual abode. It challenges believers today to examine their own priorities and consider what comforts or security they might need to lay aside to truly seek God's kingdom and presence first.