Psalm 132 9

Psalm 132:9 kjv

Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Psalm 132:9 nkjv

Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, And let Your saints shout for joy.

Psalm 132:9 niv

May your priests be clothed with your righteousness; may your faithful people sing for joy.'?"

Psalm 132:9 esv

Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy.

Psalm 132:9 nlt

May your priests be clothed in godliness;
may your loyal servants sing for joy.

Psalm 132 verses

Psalm 132 9 Meaning

Psalm 132:9 is a fervent prayer, a petition to the Lord, that His appointed priests be adorned with righteousness and that His devoted people be filled with and express loud joy. This signifies a desire for God's divine approval and presence to manifest through holy service and overflowing praise among His followers in Zion, as an outcome of His covenant faithfulness.

Psalm 132 9 Context

Psalm 132 is a psalm of ascents, traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. It reflects on the covenant between God and David, specifically concerning the ark of the covenant finding a permanent resting place in Zion (Jerusalem) and the establishment of David's royal lineage. The psalm recounts David's deep vow (vv. 3-5) to not rest until a dwelling for the Ark, symbolizing God's presence, was found. God, in turn, responds with solemn promises regarding Zion as His dwelling place forever (v. 13-14) and the perpetual reign of David's descendants (vv. 11-12, 17-18). Verse 9 is part of a prayer within this context, interceding for those who serve and worship God in His sanctuary, appealing for them to embody and express the joyful sanctity associated with God's presence there. The petition is that God, having chosen Zion, would ensure His appointed ministers and His devoted people truly reflect His character and evoke fitting praise.

Psalm 132 9 Word analysis

• Let Your priests (יִלְבְּשׁוּ כֹהֲנֶיךָ – yilbešu kohăneykhā):
  • kohăneykhā (כֹהֲנֶיךָ): Refers to the Levitical priests responsible for serving in the sanctuary, offering sacrifices, teaching the law, and mediating between God and His people. This term emphasizes their sacred, divinely appointed office. The "Your" highlights their unique relationship and accountability to the Lord.
• be clothed with righteousness (צֶדֶק – ṭṣeḏeq):
  • yilbešu (יִלְבְּשׁוּ): The verb "to be clothed" metaphorically depicts an outward covering, a public manifestation, and an intrinsic quality. It suggests not just an external garment but an internal disposition that pervades their actions and being.
  • ṭṣeḏeq (צֶדֶק): Signifies a state of moral and ethical integrity, conformity to God's standards, and being in right standing with God. For priests, it implies purity in service, adherence to God's commands, and administering justice. It can also imply divine vindication and saving activity that establishes order and justice. It is more than just ethical living; it is a quality imputed and manifested through divine alignment.
• and Your saints (וַחֲסִידֶיךָ – wakhăsiḏeykhā):
  • ḥăsiḏeykhā (חֲסִידֶיךָ): Refers to the "pious ones," "godly ones," or "faithful ones." These are not exclusively the priests but all devoted followers of God, those who practice ḥeseḏ (loving-kindness, loyalty, steadfast love) toward God and their covenant. The use of "Your" again highlights their belonging to God and their special devotion.
• shout for joy (יְרַנֵּנוּ – yerañenu):
  • yerañenu (יְרַנֵּנוּ): The verb "to shout for joy," "to sing aloud," or "to give a ringing cry." It implies an open, enthusiastic, and often communal expression of praise, exhilaration, and triumph. It's a natural outpouring when one witnesses or experiences God's favor, justice, or salvation. This joy is deep, authentic, and vocally expressed.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness": This phrase expresses a plea for the spiritual integrity and moral purity of those who represent God. It goes beyond merely ritual purity, seeking a visible and intrinsic character of justice and holiness among them. Their righteousness would validate their sacred office and services, making their worship acceptable and their guidance true. This echoes the concept of spiritual attire representing one's true state or standing before God.
• "and Your saints shout for joy": This parallels the first part, extending the prayer beyond the priests to all God's devoted people. It petitions for an overflowing, expressive joy among the faithful. This joy is a response to God's presence, His blessing, His justice, and His faithfulness. It's a spontaneous and communal demonstration of celebration, indicating flourishing and peace under divine favor. The linking "and" suggests a cause-and-effect or complementary relationship: righteous leadership fosters joyful people.

Psalm 132 9 Bonus section

The metaphor of "clothing" throughout the Bible often signifies identity, character, or status. Here, priests being "clothed with righteousness" means righteousness is their defining characteristic and functional covering, essential for their efficacy and acceptability before God. It's not merely an action but a pervasive state of being aligned with divine truth. This prayer implicitly stands in contrast to priests whose garments were symbolically "filthy" due to sin (e.g., Zech 3). The psalm envisions a future or present reality where the spiritual state matches the sacred office. The joy of the "saints" (ḥăsiḏîm) also speaks to the profound blessedness and delight experienced by those truly devoted to God, highlighting that true devotion is not burdensome but leads to exuberant praise.

Psalm 132 9 Commentary

Psalm 132:9 is a vital part of a royal and cultic psalm, reflecting a prayer for the effective and holy functioning of God's house and people in Jerusalem. It underscores the intrinsic connection between God's presence (represented by the Ark/Temple), the integrity of His ministers, and the vitality of His worshipping community. The prayer that priests be "clothed with righteousness" is profound, signifying that their very being and service should embody justice, integrity, and adherence to God's character. This spiritual raiment is more critical than their linen vestments. For the "saints," the "shout for joy" reflects the positive spiritual outcome when God's dwelling is honored, and His service is pure. It suggests a flourishing community where the spiritual health of leaders translates into fervent and unreserved celebration among the people. In the New Covenant, all believers are a "holy priesthood" (1 Pet 2:5), called to offer spiritual sacrifices in righteousness (Rom 12:1), leading to an outpouring of joy as they walk in the Spirit and witness God's work.