And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn. – 2 Samuel 6:14-15

The Songs of Ascents continue today with a celebration of the events recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and 7. If you’ll recall, David’s conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of his capital there was a moment of national celebration. The Philistines were subdued, the nation was united, and the Ark of the Covenant was brought, after hundreds of years of temporary residences, to a permanent home. Later, David wishes to build a temple for the LORD in Jerusalem, but instead the LORD promises to build him a house, which 2 Samuel 7 explains and Psalm 132 celebrates. It’s possible that Psalm 133, which celebrates how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!... connects to this moment as well.

Psalm 135 introduces a unit that will carry through a series of chapters. The Psalm itself has six distinct sections. It is introduced with a call to Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good… For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself. This is followed by an affirmation of the LORD’s supremacy, for whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth…

In the third section, beginning in verse 8, the writer gives his listeners a brief history lesson, the details of which support his previous assertions. Verses 13 and 14 are in the second person – directed toward the LORD Himself – but its pronouncements are for human ears. This is followed by a commentary on the idols of the nations, and, finally, a benediction that lands back where it started: O house of Israel, Bless the LORD…

Our verse for this week is James 5:16: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Psalms 132 through 135. Now let’s read it!