Psalms 132:9
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּהֲנֶ֥יךָ
Let thy priests
H3548
כֹּהֲנֶ֥יךָ
Let thy priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
1 of 5
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
יִלְבְּשׁוּ
be clothed
H3847
יִלְבְּשׁוּ
be clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
צֶ֑דֶק
with righteousness
H6664
צֶ֑דֶק
with righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
3 of 5
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
Cross References
Job 29:14I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.Revelation 19:8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.Psalms 93:1The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.Psalms 132:16I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.Psalms 104:1Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Historical Context
Priestly righteousness was essential for acceptable worship (Leviticus 10:1-3; Malachi 2:5-7). Wicked priests brought judgment (1 Samuel 2:12-17). David organized priestly divisions for temple service (1 Chronicles 24). The prayer anticipates proper, joyful worship in the temple with righteous priests leading God's people. Solomon echoed this prayer at temple dedication (2 Chronicles 6:41).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for priests to be 'clothed with righteousness' versus clothed with mere ritual garments?
- How does priestly righteousness affect the congregation's joy?
- Who are 'thy saints' and why do they shout for joy when God dwells among them?
- How does Christ fulfill the role of righteous priest perfectly (Hebrews 7:26-28)?
- In what ways should Christian leaders be 'clothed with righteousness,' and what effect does this have?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer continues with request for priestly blessing: 'Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.' The phrase 'thy priests' refers to Levitical priests who ministered in God's presence. 'Be clothed with righteousness' uses metaphor of garments - priests literally wore special garments (Exodus 28), but here righteousness is their clothing. Righteousness (tsedek) means justice, rightness, conformity to God's character. The prayer asks that priests minister with moral integrity and proper devotion, not merely external rituals. The parallel 'let thy saints shout for joy' extends blessing beyond priests to all God's faithful people (chasidim - those characterized by chesed/covenant love). The response to God's presence is joy - shouting (ranan) suggests loud, exuberant praise. When priests minister righteously and God's presence dwells among His people, joy naturally follows.