Psalm 132 6

Psalm 132:6 kjv

Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.

Psalm 132:6 nkjv

Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; We found it in the fields of the woods.

Psalm 132:6 niv

We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar:

Psalm 132:6 esv

Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

Psalm 132:6 nlt

We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah;
then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.

Psalm 132 verses

Psalm 132 6 Meaning

This verse expresses the collective remembrance and active search for the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's manifest presence among His people. It recalls the stages of rediscovering and retrieving this sacred object: first, gaining knowledge or information about its whereabouts, represented by "Ephrathah," and then physically locating it, depicted by "the fields of Jaar." This passage reflects Israel's deep yearning and commitment to bringing God's presence to a settled dwelling place, which culminates in Jerusalem.

Psalm 132 6 Context

Psalm 132 is a Psalm of Ascent, sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It emphasizes the deep connection between King David's fervent desire to build a permanent dwelling for God's presence—the Ark of the Covenant—and God's eternal covenant promise to David concerning his dynastic line and the establishment of a righteous king in Zion. Verses 1-5 recount David's vow to find "a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob" before he would find rest for himself. Verse 6 specifically details the successful quest for the Ark after its period of displacement. Historically, the Ark was captured by the Philistines, returned to Beth-shemesh, and then spent twenty years at Kirjath-jearim before David orchestrated its dramatic transfer to Jerusalem, as narrated in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13 and 15-16. This verse encapsulates the corporate memory and diligent pursuit that led to the Ark's final placement in Zion.

Psalm 132 6 Word analysis

• Behold (הִנֵּה hinneh): An interjection signaling attention, surprise, or an introduction of something important. Here, it introduces a significant recollection or declaration, drawing the listener into the historical event.
• we heard (שְׁמַעֲנוּהָ sh'ma`anūhā): The Hebrew verb "shamah" (שָׁמַע) means "to hear, listen, obey." The suffix "-nu" indicates the first common plural ("we"), and "-ha" is the feminine singular object pronoun "it," referring to the Ark. This highlights the collective experience of hearing, suggesting the preservation of this knowledge through oral tradition or national memory. It speaks to gaining intelligence or news.
• of it (-הָ -ha): Refers directly to "the Ark" from the preceding context, signifying the central object of the Psalm's focus and David's devotion.
• in Ephrathah (בְאֶפְרָתָה b'ephrathah): "B' " (בְּ) means "in" or "at." Ephrathah (אֶפְרָתָה) is historically synonymous with Bethlehem, particularly Bethlehem in Judah. Its inclusion here can suggest that the knowledge or news about the Ark was received or became known in a place of significance associated with God's plans (Bethlehem later being the birthplace of the Messiah). Some interpretations suggest it could broadly refer to the tribal territory of Ephraim where the Ark might have been mentioned or known about post-Shiloh.
• we found (מְצָאנוּהָ m'tsa'anūhā): The Hebrew verb "matsa" (מָצָא) means "to find, discover, attain." Similar to "we heard," the first common plural ("we") and the object pronoun "it" underscore the active, collective effort of discovery. This goes beyond mere knowledge to actual physical location and retrieval.
• it (-הָ -ha): Again, referring to the Ark.
• in the fields (בִּשְׂדֵי bisdē): "B'" (בְּ) means "in" or "at." "Sdē" (שְׂדֵי) is the construct plural form of "sadeh" (שָׂדֶה), meaning "field" or "countryside." This emphasizes a specific outdoor location rather than an urban center.
• of Jaar (יַעַר ya`ar): "Ya'ar" (יַעַר) means "forest" or "woodland." This directly points to Kirjath-jearim, which means "City of Forests," where the Ark resided for two decades after its return from Philistine territory (1 Sam 7:1-2). This indicates the precise geographical location where the Ark was finally retrieved.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;": This clause signifies the initial intelligence or awareness concerning the Ark. The use of "Ephrathah," a prominent place, implies a national understanding or shared historical consciousness about the Ark's whereabouts or a broader region from which news emanated. It represents the preparatory stage of receiving information, possibly through historical accounts or prophecies related to the Ark's eventual return.
• "we found it in the fields of Jaar.": This second clause moves from passive knowledge to active discovery and physical retrieval. "The fields of Jaar," explicitly pointing to Kirjath-jearim, details the actual place of finding and subsequently bringing the Ark. The deliberate parallelism (we heard...we found) showcases the comprehensive and earnest search that eventually culminated in locating the divine presence, embodying the nation's spiritual pilgrimage and commitment to establishing God's dwelling. This contrast from hearing to finding emphasizes perseverance and the progression of the quest.

Psalm 132 6 Bonus section

• The phrasing "heard of it" before "found it" suggests a methodical approach: information gathering, followed by an intensive search and retrieval. This implies a significant period of disarray for the Ark (two decades in Kirjath-jearim), where its location, while known, might not have been central to national worship until David's initiative.
• Some scholars propose a chiastic structure in the Psalm, where the human efforts to establish God's dwelling (David's vow, Ark's retrieval) are beautifully intertwined with God's ultimate establishment of David's throne and an enduring presence. This verse is key to the human side of that covenant.
• The Ark's journey and eventual rest are a pattern for the spiritual "rest" found in God's presence, echoing into the New Testament where Jesus is the true dwelling place of God, and believers find their ultimate rest in Him (Heb 4).
• The double reference to places signifies a journey or a progression of understanding and action in seeking the Ark. It speaks to thoroughness and deep spiritual commitment.

Psalm 132 6 Commentary

Psalm 132:6 succinctly captures a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the ardent quest for God's physical presence, symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant. The "we" signifies the collective Israelite yearning, led by King David, to rectify the long-standing absence of the Ark from a central, sacred dwelling. The sequence of "heard... in Ephrathah" followed by "found... in the fields of Jaar" depicts a dedicated search, first by acquiring historical or prophetic knowledge (perhaps linking to places like Bethlehem/Ephrathah, anticipating a divine purpose even from there), then by precise, determined action to locate the Ark at Kirjath-jearim (fields of Jaar). This verse is a celebration of national commitment and tireless devotion to bring the tangible symbol of God's covenant back into its rightful place of honor, setting the stage for its arrival in Zion, thus enabling God to dwell in their midst. It underlines that seeking God involves both attentive hearing (spiritual insight) and diligent finding (practical pursuit).