Psalms 132:12
If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
Original Language Analysis
אִֽם
H518
אִֽם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִשְׁמְר֬וּ
will keep
H8104
יִשְׁמְר֬וּ
will keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם
If thy children
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם
If thy children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּרִיתִי֮
my covenant
H1285
בְּרִיתִי֮
my covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
4 of 14
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֲלַ֫מְּדֵ֥ם
I shall teach
H3925
אֲלַ֫מְּדֵ֥ם
I shall teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם
If thy children
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם
If thy children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַ֑ד
for evermore
H5703
עַ֑ד
for evermore
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
עַ֑ד
for evermore
H5703
עַ֑ד
for evermore
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
יֵ֝שְׁב֗וּ
shall also sit
H3427
יֵ֝שְׁב֗וּ
shall also sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrated this principle - obedient kings (David, Hezekiah, Josiah) experienced blessing; disobedient kings faced judgment. Despite widespread failure, God never fully revoked the covenant, preserving the line until Christ. The tension between unconditional covenant and conditional blessing appears throughout Scripture (Genesis 17:1-14; Deuteronomy 28-30).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the conditional 'if' relate to the unconditional promise in verse 11?
- What is the difference between covenant security (dynasty continues) and individual blessing (kings prosper)?
- How does God's discipline differ from covenant revocation?
- How does Christ fulfill both the unconditional covenant (eternal reign) and the condition (perfect obedience)?
- What does this teach about the relationship between God's sovereign promises and human responsibility?
Analysis & Commentary
A condition is attached to the covenant: 'If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.' The conditional 'if' introduces requirement for covenant blessing continuation - while dynasty itself is guaranteed (v. 11), individual kings' security depends on obedience. 'Keep my covenant and my testimony' requires faithfulness to Mosaic law and God's revealed will. 'That I shall teach them' emphasizes ongoing divine instruction. The promise 'their children shall also sit upon thy throne' extends blessing multi-generationally - obedience produces stable dynastic succession. The phrase 'for evermore' (ad - perpetuity) promises unlimited duration conditional on faithfulness. This verse balances unconditional covenant (David's line continues) with conditional blessing (individual kings' success). Disobedience brings discipline but not covenant revocation.