Psalms 132:1

Authorized King James Version

LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:

Word-by-Word Analysis

זְכוֹר

H2142

remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְדָוִ֑ד

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֵ֝ת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֻנּוֹתֽוֹ׃

H6031

and all his afflictions

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

Analysis

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of suffering and persecution within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of suffering and persecution within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the suffering and persecution theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 132 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about suffering and persecution?