Psalms 132:7
We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
Original Language Analysis
נָב֥וֹאָה
We will go
H935
נָב֥וֹאָה
We will go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 5
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְמִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֑יו
into his tabernacles
H4908
לְמִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֑יו
into his tabernacles
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
2 of 5
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
נִ֝שְׁתַּחֲוֶ֗ה
we will worship
H7812
נִ֝שְׁתַּחֲוֶ֗ה
we will worship
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
3 of 5
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
Cross References
Psalms 99:5Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.Psalms 5:7But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.Lamentations 2:1How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!Isaiah 2:3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Psalms 122:1I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.Psalms 118:19Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
Historical Context
David's bringing the ark to Jerusalem restored centralized worship. The second (successful) attempt involved proper procedures, Levitical carrying, sacrifices, and great celebration (2 Samuel 6:12-19). The ark became focal point for worship until temple was built. The language anticipates Solomon's temple where God's glory would dwell and worshipers would bow before His presence.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of worshiping at God's 'footstool' rather than His face or throne directly?
- How does the call 'we will worship' demonstrate resolution and commitment?
- What is the relationship between finding God's presence (v. 6) and worshiping (v. 7)?
- How do Christians 'go into His tabernacles' and worship at His footstool today?
- What posture of heart accompanies physical bowing in worship?
Analysis & Commentary
A call to worship follows the discovery: 'We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.' The plural 'we' emphasizes corporate action - not individual but communal worship. The phrase 'go into his tabernacles' (plural mishkenot) suggests entering God's dwelling place(s) - possibly the multiple chambers of the future temple or the ark's tabernacle David prepared. 'We will worship' (Hebrew 'shacha') means to bow down, prostrate oneself in reverence. The location 'at his footstool' refers to the ark, specifically the mercy seat where God's presence dwelt between cherubim (1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalm 99:5). The footstool image suggests God's throne in heaven, with earth/ark as His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). Worshiping at His footstool combines reverence (bowing at feet) with access (permitted to approach). This verse celebrates restored worship now that the ark is recovered.