Psalms 132:3

Authorized King James Version

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Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;

Original Language Analysis

אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אָ֭בֹא Surely I will not come H935
אָ֭בֹא Surely I will not come
Strong's: H935
Word #: 2 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְּאֹ֣הֶל into the tabernacle H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל into the tabernacle
Strong's: H168
Word #: 3 of 9
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
בֵּיתִ֑י of my house H1004
בֵּיתִ֑י of my house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 4 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 5 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶ֝עֱלֶ֗ה nor go up H5927
אֶ֝עֱלֶ֗ה nor go up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 6 of 9
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֶ֥רֶשׂ into my bed H6210
עֶ֥רֶשׂ into my bed
Strong's: H6210
Word #: 8 of 9
a couch (properly, with a canopy)
יְצוּעָֽי׃ H3326
יְצוּעָֽי׃
Strong's: H3326
Word #: 9 of 9
spread, i.e., a bed; (architecture) an extension, i.e., wing or lean-to (a single story or collectively)

Analysis & Commentary

The oath's content begins: 'Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed.' This vow of self-denial expresses extreme determination. The double negative 'I will not...nor' emphasizes comprehensive refusal. 'Tabernacle of my house' means his own dwelling, personal palace - contrasting God's humble tent (the ark's tabernacle) with David's superior residence. The phrase 'go up into my bed' suggests refusing normal comfort and rest. David vows to forfeit personal comfort until God's dwelling is established properly. This demonstrates priorities - God's honor supersedes personal convenience. The extreme language (similar to oath formulas) indicates unbreakable commitment. David's discomfort with living in a palace while God's ark remained in a tent (2 Samuel 7:2) drives this vow.

Historical Context

David brought the ark to Jerusalem and placed it in a tent (2 Samuel 6:17), while he lived in a palace of cedar (2 Samuel 7:2). This disparity troubled David, prompting his desire to build a temple. Though God denied David's request to build, David's zeal for God's house was commendable and became proverbial (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17).

Questions for Reflection