Psalm 132:3-5

Psalm 132:3-5

A place for the Lord

A dwelling p[lace for the LordThese verses tell us that David was not just interested in finding a suitable site for the storage of the Ark of the Covenant. That would have been more than satisfactory for many of his contemporaries, they might well have argued that a nice museum-like building, somewhere in Jerusalem, would be more than sufficient! But David saw beyond this, his vision was far grander, he recognised that the placement of the sacred objects and the room that enclosed them was hugely important. His mind could see a grand temple, he could visualise the processions of priests, the richly embroidered furnishings, the gleaming altar for burnt offerings and the sun reflecting off the bronze laver. David’s ears could hear the music of the Levite musicians and choirs, and he could allow for nothing less than one of the richest and grandest Temples ever built. Why? Was he being over-indulgent? Not at all! David was solely interested in constructing a place for the Lord His God to dwell amongst His people, a building that was worthy of such a presence, a place that everyone in the world would regard as sacred and devoted to the one true God. The Lord must have the best, and despite all the other demands of the monarchy, that vision remained the single most important goal in the King’s mind for as long as he reigned. He would ensure that a “dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob” would be built!

God honoured David’s determination and his vision, but the king never lived to see the fulfilment, he helped to draw up the plans, he assisted with the preparations, but it was his son Solomon who brought it all to completion. David’s aspirations all boiled down to one simple purpose, it was to exalt the Name of the Lord and to give Him His rightful place in the community of Israel. The Highest Place, a Holy Place, a Temple suitable for the supreme God of all gods. 

Do we elevate the Lord Almighty to the Highest Place in our own lives, in our families, even in our churches? Are we a fit place for Him to dwell? Can we say that we will not sleep until our hearts are clean and prepared for Hs presence? 

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