Psalm 132 7

Psalm 132:7 kjv

We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.

Psalm 132:7 nkjv

Let us go into His tabernacle; Let us worship at His footstool.

Psalm 132:7 niv

"Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool, saying,

Psalm 132:7 esv

"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!"

Psalm 132:7 nlt

Let us go to the sanctuary of the LORD;
let us worship at the footstool of his throne.

Psalm 132 verses

Psalm 132 7 Meaning

Psalm 132:7 is a heartfelt invitation and call to enter God's sacred dwelling place and to bow down in humble worship before Him. It expresses a desire to approach the specific locus of God's presence, characterized by His tabernacles and His symbolic "footstool," which was intrinsically linked to the Ark of the Covenant and the place of His enthroned presence. The verse embodies the earnest yearning of the people to be in communion with the Lord, to render Him reverence, and to participate in the solemn act of adoration where He makes Himself uniquely accessible.

Psalm 132 7 Context

Psalm 132 is a "Song of Ascents," traditionally sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for annual feasts. The Psalm primarily commemorates David's solemn oath and tireless efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant, God's dwelling symbol, to Jerusalem and establish a resting place for it (vv. 1-5). It also speaks to God's covenant with David concerning his perpetual dynasty (vv. 11-12) and God's promise to dwell in Zion forever (vv. 13-18). Verse 7 stands as a collective call and eager response from the worshipers to this historical and covenantal act. It expresses the people's desire to participate in this divine accessibility, drawing near to where God's special presence resides. The immediate context of verse 7 is the journey to the site where the Ark has been brought, setting the stage for communal worship.

Psalm 132 7 Word analysis

• Let us go (נָבֹואָה, navo'ah): A cohortative verb, meaning "let us enter" or "we will enter." It expresses an eager invitation or collective determination. It emphasizes communal participation and an active seeking of God's presence, rather than passive waiting.
• into his tabernacles (אֶל-מִשְׁכְּנוֹתָיו, 'el mishk'notayv):
  • tabernacles (מִשְׁכְּנוֹתָיו, mishk'notayv): The plural form of mishkan, meaning "dwelling place," "residence," or "sanctuary." This could refer to the multiple chambers or courtyards of the sanctuary complex (Temple or Tabernacle structure) where God resided, emphasizing the various avenues and parts of His sacred house accessible to worshipers. It distinctly points to a holy, set-apart space dedicated for God's presence, contrasting with common human dwellings. This physical space symbolizes God's unique accessibility and dwelling among His people.
• let us worship (נִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה, nishtachaweh): Derived from the Hebrew root shachah (שָׁחָה), meaning "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," "to do obeisance." It signifies a posture of deep humility, reverence, submission, and adoration. This is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a physical act reflecting profound spiritual awe and subservience before divine authority. It conveys an act of rendering homage to God.
• at his footstool (לַהֲדֹם רַגְלָיו, la'hadom raglav):
  • footstool (הֲדֹם, hadom): Literally "footstool." In biblical context, it refers metaphorically to the Ark of the Covenant, specifically the mercy seat above the Ark, which was considered the earthly "throne" or "seat" from which God reigned invisibly, making it the most sacred point in the sanctuary, especially within the Holy of Holies. It represents God's authoritative presence, where His feet would rest, symbolizing His omnipresent sovereignty and condescension to meet with humanity in a particular place. This specific imagery is often used to emphasize the tangible and accessible nature of God's kingship and power.
  • his feet (רַגְלָיו, raglav): Indicates possession by God, reinforcing that this "footstool" is directly linked to the Divine presence.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "Let us go into his tabernacles": This phrase acts as a communal invitation to approach God's designated holy dwelling. It underscores the importance of physical presence in the sacred space as an act of drawing near to God. It highlights accessibility provided by God.
  • "let us worship at his footstool": This further specifies the intensity and nature of the worship. To worship "at His footstool" signifies worshipping God in the place of His profound and authoritative presence, suggesting profound reverence and recognition of His sovereign reign. It implies coming before the very throne-room of God on earth, emphasizing the Ark's unique status as the nexus of God's visible (or symbolically visible) presence. This pairing (tabernacles and footstool) captures both the general dwelling and the most sacred locus of His divine manifestation.

Psalm 132 7 Bonus section

The concept of "footstool" (hadom) as relating to the Ark of the Covenant serves to de-anthropomorphize God even while providing a tangible focal point for worship. God does not literally have feet resting on an object; rather, the "footstool" indicates the humble yet sacred place where His magnificent and transcendent presence "rests," making Him approachable without diminishing His divine nature. It conveys majesty with intimacy. This imagery further contributes to understanding why the removal of the Ark, and later the destruction of the Temple, were seen as such cataclysmic events: they implied God withdrawing from His chosen "footstool." The Psalm's enduring message finds its deepest resonance in the Christian understanding of the Incarnation, where God truly came and "tabernacled" among us in Jesus Christ, becoming the ultimate dwelling place and means of access for humanity to God Himself. This anticipates the ultimate vision of God dwelling among His people forever in the new heavens and new earth (Rev 21:3).

Psalm 132 7 Commentary

Psalm 132:7 is a vibrant call to communal worship, encapsulating the desire of the faithful to enter God's presence and offer humble adoration. "His tabernacles" represents God's physical dwelling, first the Tabernacle, then Solomon's Temple, which was understood as the earthly point of intersection between the divine and human realms. This specific imagery reminds the worshiper of God's willingness to "tabernacle" or dwell among His people. The plural form, "tabernacles," can also imply a comprehensive access to all parts of the sanctuary designated for different levels of worshipers, from the outer courts to the holiest place conceptually.

The "footstool" is a profound theological symbol, frequently identified with the Ark of the Covenant, particularly its mercy seat. This was considered the seat of God's unseen throne, making it the focal point of God's special presence on earth. To worship at "His footstool" is to prostrate oneself before the sovereign King of the universe, acknowledging His supreme authority and accessible holiness. This phrase polemically contrasts with any worship of idols or foreign gods, emphasizing that true and full worship belongs solely to Yahweh at His unique dwelling. The repeated "let us" emphasizes the corporate nature of this invitation and act of worship; it is a shared spiritual journey and expression of devotion for God's gathered people.

In a broader redemptive historical sense, this yearning for access culminates in Christ. He is the ultimate "tabernacle" (Jn 1:14), God dwelling bodily among humanity. Through His sacrifice, believers now have confident access (Heb 10:19-22) to the true "throne of grace" in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb 4:16). Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that believers themselves, collectively and individually, become the "temple" or "dwelling place" of God's Spirit (1 Cor 3:16, 2 Cor 6:16). Therefore, the call to "enter and worship" today translates into approaching God through prayer, communal gatherings, and lives of consecrated obedience, recognizing His presence within His church.

Examples:

• Pastoral: Encouraging a congregation to actively seek God's presence in corporate worship services, emphasizing the significance of humble postures in prayer.
• Personal: Daily setting aside dedicated time for private devotion, acknowledging God's omnipresence and worshipping Him wherever one is, recognizing one's body as a temple of the Spirit.
• Missionary: Teaching new believers the importance of local church gatherings as the collective dwelling of God's people for corporate worship.