What does "worship at His footstool" mean in the context of Psalm 132:7? Verse in Focus “Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool.” (Psalm 132:7) Setting the Scene: Psalm 132 in Context • A Song of Ascents likely sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. • Remembers David’s zeal to find “a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob” (v. 5). • Celebrates the ark’s arrival in Zion, God’s chosen resting place (vv. 8, 13-14). What Is the Footstool? • In the Ancient Near East, a king’s footstool symbolized the area beneath his throne, the place of submission before his authority. • Scripture identifies the ark of the covenant as God’s earthly footstool: – “The ark of the covenant of the LORD… is the footstool of our God.” (1 Chronicles 28:2) • By extension, the Temple mount (Zion) becomes His footstool because it houses the ark (Psalm 99:5). Worship at His Footstool: Meaning and Implications • Draw near to the manifest presence of God. – Israel gathered where the ark rested, confident God “enthroned above the cherubim” was there (Psalm 80:1). • Bow in humble submission. – A footstool lies low; worshipers lower themselves, acknowledging God’s kingly authority. • Celebrate covenant faithfulness. – The ark held the tablets of the Law; praising at the footstool affirmed trust in every word God had spoken. • Enjoy intimate access. – While heaven is God’s throne and earth His footstool (Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:35), He graciously localized His glory so His people could approach Him. Old Testament Echoes • Psalm 99:5 – “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy.” • Lamentations 2:1 – In judgment God “cast down from heaven to earth the splendor of Israel; He has not remembered His footstool,” underscoring the footstool as Zion itself. • Each reference ties God’s tangible presence to reverent, obedient worship. New Testament Fulfillment • Jesus, God incarnate, is the greater meeting place of God and man (John 1:14). • Believers now worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), yet still bow before the same sovereign Lord. • Through Christ’s blood we have even bolder access to the “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16), fulfilling what the footstool foreshadowed. Practical Takeaways for Today • Approach God’s presence with confidence, yet never lose reverent awe. • Let Scripture guide worship—His Word at the ark’s center still rules His gathered people. • Recognize every church gathering as a foretaste of Zion: God dwells among His people, so humble adoration is always fitting. • Live daily in submissive obedience; true worship extends beyond singing to surrendered hearts and lives. |
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