Psalm 132:8

Psalm 132:8

The resting place

This verse contains the heart-cry of David and also the many worshippers who travelled to Jerusalem to meet with their God. In the years that the Temple was under construction, there was an air of national anticipation and longing, although some probably doubted its purpose. Would the Lord come to them? Would He make His earthly dwelling amongst them? Would the great building and all the preparations that were being made serve the purpose of providing the Lord with a holy sanctuary on earth? These questions must have haunted David, the priesthood and the Levites, and many other Godly men and women who waited in expectation for the day when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to its eventual resting place. 

The term “resting place” has many associations for the Israelites. The Land of Canaan was their resting place, but it had to be claimed and conquered at the end of their wanderings before they experienced that rest. During the 40 years of wandering their resting places were locations where they could camp without fear of attack from enemies and where stocks and supplies could be replenished, as well as being sites where weary travellers could sleep and relax after days of tramping through the wilderness. They anticipated a resting place for the Lord too, for He had been with them on the journeys and the Ark of the Covenant, in its tent, had covered every inch of the tedious days of trudging through the wilderness. “Rest” spoke of permanence, the end of their wanderings, being at peace, with no further destinations in view. There’s no doubt that the provision of a resting place for the Ark was the fulfilment of all their hopes and dreams, once the sacred object was put into its place, there would be no more wandering, they were home, and the Lord God was home with them! 

Never forget that we are His temples too. His home is with us and while we may not have reached our final resting place we should purpose to make progress, every day, in our journey towards that heavenly dwelling. We can also experience the “rest” of faith even as we press forwards as Hebrews chapters 4-5 clearly tell us. 

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