Psalms 132:10

Authorized King James Version

For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בַּ֭עֲבוּר

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

דָּוִ֣ד

H1732

David's

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5650

For thy servant

a servant

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תָּ֝שֵׁ֗ב

H7725

sake turn not away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃

H4899

of thine anointed

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?