Psalm 132:6

Translations

Modern

We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

Traditional

Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.

Literal

Behold, we have heard of it in Ephrathah, we have found it in the fields of Jaar.

Latin

Ecce audivimus eam in Ephrata; invenimus eam in campis silvæ.

Original

Hebrew

English

We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

Notes

Psalms 132:6

Ephrathah is another name for Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19; 48:7).
Jaar is the singular form of the plural Jearim. The ark was at Kiriath-jearim for 20 years in Samuel’s time (1 Samuel 7:1–2).

Psalms 132:6–10

These verses recall David moving the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1–15) and the Lord's promise to David (2 Samuel 7:4–16).

Psalms 132:1–18

This psalm celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness to David. When David wanted to bring the ark to Jerusalem (Psalm 132:1–5), the Lord agreed and made Jerusalem his earthly home (132:6–10). God’s choice of Jerusalem also shows his choice:

of David's family line (Psalm 132:11–13),
of Zion (Psalm 132:14–17), and
of the priesthood (Psalm 132:9, 16).

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Theme notes and profiles

Royal Psalms Temple Worship

Related verses

1 Samuel 7:1
Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it into Abinadab’s house on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD.
1 Samuel 17:12
Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years.
Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
Genesis 35:19
So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
1 Chronicles 13:5–6
So David assembled all Israel, from the River Shihor in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.
Ruth 1:2
The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there.

Places

Bethlehem: City of David's birth and Jesus' birth Kiriath-jearim: A city where the ark resided

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Degrees, Song of Ephrath (Place) Hallel Jaar King Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees

Topics

Bethlehem: A City Southwest of Jerusalem: Called Ephratah and Ephrath Ephratah: Also Called Ephrath: The Ancient Name of Beth-Lehem-Judah

Psalm 132:6

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