Psalms 132:2
How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 6
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִ֭שְׁבַּע
How he sware
H7650
נִ֭שְׁבַּע
How he sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
2 of 6
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
לַיהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַיהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The historical oath isn't explicitly recorded in Samuel-Kings, though 2 Samuel 7:2 records David's desire to build God a house, and 1 Chronicles 22-29 describes David's extensive temple preparations. The psalm may preserve oral tradition about David's vow. The title 'mighty God of Jacob' emphasizes continuity between patriarchal and Davidic covenants.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of both 'swearing' and 'vowing' - how do these strengthen commitment?
- Why does the psalm invoke both 'the LORD' and 'mighty God of Jacob' - what does each name emphasize?
- What does it mean to make solemn vows to God, and when is this appropriate?
- How does David's oath-taking model serious commitment to God's honor and worship?
- In what ways might Christians make solemn commitments to God's glory and kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
David's devotion is recalled: 'How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob.' The parallel phrases 'sware unto the LORD' and 'vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob' emphasize David's solemn commitment. 'Sware' (Hebrew 'shaba') means to take oath, make binding promise. 'Vowed' (nadar) means to promise, dedicate. The divine names emphasize God's covenant nature - 'LORD' (YHWH) is the covenant name, while 'mighty God of Jacob' (Abir Ya'aqob) recalls patriarchal promises and God's power. The phrase 'mighty God' (Abir) means strong one, mighty one. This verse introduces what the oath contained (vv. 3-5), building suspense. David's commitment was formal, public, and binding - representing highest level of dedication.