Psalm 132:17

Psalm 132:17

The lamp of David

Earlier in this Psalm there are two great appeals to the Lord. V1 “Lord, remember David and all his self-denial.”V10 “For the sake of Your servant David, do not reject Your anointed one.” The last two verses of Psalm 132 confirm that the Lord has both heard and will answer these pleas. It is in the Land of Promise, that we call Israel, that David’s horn will grow. The Lord will see to this – and He has! 

“Horn” here refers to strength, it was a common symbol in ancient times, often used to describe a kingdom or an influential ruler. Talk of a horn growing meant that it was increasing in power and prominence and this is what the Lord promised to David and his successors. To this day, the tiny state of Israel has huge influence over the nations and divides opinions and politics, not surprising when the Lord God is involved!

After Solomon’s reign as King of Israel, his son Rehoboam took over the throne but a young usurper arose called Jeroboam; the people had rebelled against the King and his family and also against the Lord by worshipping pagan gods and Jeroboam was one with them. A prophet called Ahijah met Jeroboam and amongst other things the prophet said the following as a word from the Lord, “I will take the kingdom from the son of Solomon’s hands and give you ten tribes. I will give one tribe to Solomon’s son so that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name.” 1 Kings 11:35-36. These words are important for they tell us that God would always ensure the continuance of the Davidic dynasty in the city where God had chosen to cause His Name to dwell. 

In some passages in Scripture, the burning or snuffing out of a lamp signified the flourishing or the ceasing of a life. It is challenging to remember that the Bible also talks about churches in this way and suggests that the Lord may remove a lampstand if the members are not faithful and sincere in their belief in Him. 

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