I will clothe her priests with salvation
This phrase emphasizes God's promise to provide spiritual protection and deliverance to the priests. In the Old Testament, priests were responsible for mediating between God and the people, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the temple. The imagery of being "clothed" suggests being enveloped or covered, indicating a complete transformation or endowment. Salvation here can be understood as both physical deliverance and spiritual redemption. This promise is reminiscent of the priestly garments described in Exodus 28, which were designed for glory and beauty, symbolizing righteousness and holiness. The concept of being clothed with salvation is echoed in Isaiah 61:10, where the prophet speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

and her saints will sing out in joy
The term "saints" refers to the faithful followers of God, those set apart for His purposes. In the context of ancient Israel, this would include the community of believers who worshiped Yahweh and adhered to His covenant. Singing out in joy reflects a response to God's salvation and blessings, a common theme in the Psalms where music and worship are expressions of gratitude and celebration (Psalm 100:1-2). This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in the reality of God's deliverance and faithfulness. The prophetic aspect of this phrase can be seen in the New Testament, where the joy of the saints is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, who brings ultimate salvation and joy to His people (Luke 2:10-11). The joy of the saints is also a foretaste of the eternal joy promised in Revelation 19:7, where the marriage supper of the Lamb is celebrated.

1. Priests
In the context of ancient Israel, priests were the mediators between God and the people, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple rituals. They symbolize spiritual leadership and service.

2. Saints
Refers to the faithful followers of God, often seen as those who are set apart for His purposes. In the New Testament context, this term is expanded to include all believers in Christ.

3. Zion
While not mentioned directly in this verse, Zion is the broader context of Psalm 132. It represents the city of Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Israel, and symbolizes God's dwelling place among His people.

4. Salvation
In Hebrew, the word for salvation is "yeshuah," which implies deliverance, safety, and victory. It is a central theme in the Bible, pointing ultimately to the work of Jesus Christ.

5. Joy
The expression of joy in this verse is a response to God's salvation and blessings. It is a theme that runs throughout the Psalms, reflecting the appropriate response of God's people to His goodness.Spiritual Adornment
Just as priests were clothed in special garments, believers today are spiritually adorned with salvation. This is a reminder of our identity in Christ and the righteousness we have through Him.

Joyful Response
The saints' joyful singing is a natural response to God's salvation. As believers, our lives should be marked by joy, reflecting the gratitude we have for God's work in our lives.

Role of the Priesthood
In Christ, all believers are part of a royal priesthood. This calls us to live lives of service, worship, and intercession, reflecting God's glory to the world.

Salvation as a Gift
Salvation is not something we earn but a gift from God. This should humble us and lead us to live lives of thankfulness and obedience.

Community of Believers
The reference to "her saints" highlights the communal aspect of faith. We are called to live out our faith in community, encouraging one another in joy and service.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 132:16?

2. How can we "clothe" ourselves with righteousness in our daily lives?

3. What does Psalm 132:16 reveal about God's promises to His people?

4. How does Psalm 132:16 connect to the New Testament teachings on righteousness?

5. In what ways can we "shout for joy" in our worship today?

6. How can church leaders ensure their congregation is "clothed with salvation"?

7. How does Psalm 132:16 reflect God's promise to His people?

8. What is the significance of "salvation" in Psalm 132:16?

9. How does Psalm 132:16 relate to the concept of divine justice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 132?

11. How do we reconcile God's protection of David with the horrific outcome that befell the priests who assisted him (1 Samuel 22)?

12. What is the horn of salvation?

13. What are the revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith?

14. In Psalm 133:2, does the image of oil running down Aaron's beard have literal historic authenticity or is it purely symbolic?I will clothe

The promise begins with God Himself taking action. He is not delegating or merely suggesting—He is personally investing in His people. Just as the LORD “covered Adam and his wife with garments of skin” (Genesis 3:21) and later covered Israel with the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22), He now pledges fresh provision.

• This assures us that every blessing that follows comes straight from His hand, echoing “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).

• It reminds us of Isaiah 61:10, where the prophet rejoices, “He has clothed me with garments of salvation.” The initiative is always the Lord’s.

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her priests

“Her” refers to Zion, the dwelling place of God among His covenant people. Priests stand as representatives—mediators between God and man. Under the New Covenant, believers are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

• Whether Old Testament Levites or present-day followers of Christ, the priestly role centers on worship and intercession (Hebrews 7:24-25).

• Revelation 1:6 says Christ “has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father.” Psalm 132:16 anticipates that reality.

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with salvation

God’s chosen garments for His priests are not linen ephods or ornate robes but salvation itself. Salvation is both:

• A covering—much like the “festival garments” in 2 Chronicles 5:12 that prepared priests for worship.

• A status—declaring them righteous, as in Zechariah 3:4, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

This salvation is comprehensive, reaching mind, heart, and future destiny (Ephesians 2:4-7).

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and her saints

“Saints” are the consecrated ones—set apart for God. Psalm 16:3 calls them “the saints who are on the earth… in whom is all my delight.”

• The text shifts from the clergy to the entire covenant community, underscoring that joy is not reserved for an elite few.

• Hebrews 12:23 speaks of “the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven,” reminding us that all believers share in this promise.

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will sing out in joy

The natural response to being clothed with salvation is exuberant praise.

• Psalm 33:1 urges, “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous; fitting is the praise of the upright.”

• Isaiah 12:3-6 pictures redeemed people drawing water from the wells of salvation and shouting aloud.

• Revelation 19:7 captures the crescendo: “Let us rejoice and exult and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come.”

Joyful singing is evidence that salvation has taken root—mouths testify to what hearts know.

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summary

Psalm 132:16 paints a vivid chain of grace: God acts (“I will”), He dresses His mediators (“her priests”) in His rescuing power (“with salvation”), and the whole consecrated community (“her saints”) erupts in worship (“will sing out in joy”). The verse assures believers that God Himself provides both our standing before Him and the joyful song that rises because of it.

Verse 16. - I will also clothe her priests with salvation (comp. ver. 9). More is pro-raised than was asked for. And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Here, too, the promise goes beyond the request in ver. 9.

Parallel Commentaries ...


I will clothe
אַלְבִּ֣ישׁ (’al·bîš)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3847: Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe

her priests
וְֽ֭כֹהֲנֶיהָ (wə·ḵō·hă·ne·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

with salvation,
יֶ֑שַׁע (ye·ša‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3468: Deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare

and her saints
וַ֝חֲסִידֶ֗יהָ (wa·ḥă·sî·ḏe·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2623: Kind, pious

will sing out in joy.
רַנֵּ֥ן (ran·nên)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7442: To give a ringing cry


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OT Poetry: Psalm 132:16 Her priests I will also clothe (Psalm Ps Psa.)