Psalms 132:1
LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:
Original Language Analysis
זְכוֹר
remember
H2142
זְכוֹר
remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
יְהוָ֥ה
LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֝ת
H854
אֵ֝ת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Historical Context
David endured significant hardship: fleeing from Saul, establishing kingdom against opposition, warfare, bringing the ark (which involved Uzzah's death, 2 Samuel 6), and planning the temple. God established covenant with David (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89) promising eternal dynasty. This psalm reflects post-Davidic period (possibly Solomonic or later) when people appealed to Davidic covenant for continued blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to ask God to 'remember' - does God forget?
- How do David's afflictions provide basis for petitioning God on behalf of his descendants?
- What is the relationship between Davidic covenant and this prayer?
- In what ways do Christians appeal to Christ (David's greater son) when approaching God?
- How does recognition of previous generations' faithfulness and suffering strengthen present faith?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm opens with intercessory appeal: 'LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions.' The imperative 'remember' (Hebrew 'zakar') means to call to mind with intent to act - not merely recalling facts but responding based on memory. The prayer asks God to remember 'David' - the historical king and the Davidic covenant. The phrase 'all his afflictions' refers to David's hardships and sufferings in establishing worship. The word 'afflictions' (Hebrew 'annah') means humbling, suffering, hardship. This likely references David's struggles to bring the ark to Jerusalem and his desire to build God a house (2 Samuel 6-7). The prayer appeals to David's devotion and sacrifice as basis for blessing his descendants and city. This demonstrates a biblical pattern: appealing to the godliness and covenants associated with previous generations as foundation for present petitions.