Psalms, 131
A prayer for the fulfilling of the promise made to David.
Memento, Domine.
[1] A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness. •
[2] How he swore to the Lord, he vowed a vow to the God of Jacob: •
[3] If I shall enter into the tabernacle of my house: if I shall go up into the bed wherein I lie: •
[4] If I shall give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids,
[5] Or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. •
[6] Behold we have heard of it in Ephrata 1: we have found it in the fields of the wood. •
We have heard of it in Ephrata: When I was young, and lived in Bethlehem, otherwise called Ephrata, I heard of God's tabernacle and ark, and had a devout desire of seeking it; and accordingly I found it at Cariathiarim, the city of the woods: where it was till it was removed to Jerusalem. See 1Pa. 13, 5.
[7] We will go into his tabernacle: we will adore in the place where his feet stood. •
[8] Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified. •
[9] Let thy priests be clothed with justice: and let thy saints rejoice. •
[10] For thy servant David's sake, turn not away the face of thy anointed. •
[11] The Lord hath sworn truth to David, and he will not make it void: of the fruit of thy womb I will set upon thy throne. •
[12] If thy children will keep my covenant, and these my testimonies which I shall teach them: Their children also for evermore shall sit upon thy throne. •
[13] For the Lord hath chosen Sion: he hath chosen it for his dwelling.
[14] This is my rest for ever and ever: here will I dwell, for I have chosen it. •
[15] Blessing I will bless her widow: I will satisfy her poor with bread. •
[16] I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy. •
[17] There will I bring forth a horn to David: I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. •
[18] His enemies I will clothe with confusion: but upon him shall my sanctification flourish. •