Psalms 132:6
Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Psalms 132:6
Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse paints a picture of a journey, not just of an object, but of a realization. "We heard of it" implies rumor and uncertainty, while "we found it" signifies discovery and certainty, highlighting the transition from hearsay to the tangible presence of God's dwelling place.
This psalm recounts David's desire to build a permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant. The speaker here describes how the people initially heard tidings of the Ark's location in the Ephrathah region but later found it resting in the less prominent fields of Jaar (Kirjath-Jearim). This sets the stage for the Ark's eventual move to Jerusalem and the construction of the temple, fulfilling David's vision.
Have you ever felt like you're chasing a rumor of God's presence, only to find it in an unexpected place? This verse speaks to that very journey.
The verse opens with "Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah." The "it" here likely refers to the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence.
Sometimes, God's presence, or the place where He intends to dwell, isn't immediately obvious. It can be found in seemingly ordinary or even overlooked places.
The contrast between "Ephrathah" and "the fields of Jaar" highlights a journey from a known, perhaps significant, location to a more obscure one before finally reaching its intended glory.
Understand the original words
hinneh · Hebrew Interjection
An exclamation used to draw attention to something significant or miraculous, often indicating a shift in perspective or a call to observe God's work.
This psalm reflects on the long journey of the Ark of the Covenant, from its resting place in Kirjath-jearim (the 'fields of Jaar' or 'wood') to its final, divinely appointed home in Jerusalem (Mount Zion), the 'rest' prepared by David.
c. 1050 BC
Ark brought to Kirjath-jearim
After its capture by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant was eventually brought to Kirjath-jearim and remained there for about 20 years in the house of Abinadab.
c. 1010 BC
David's attempt to move the Ark
King David, upon becoming king of all Israel, attempted to move the Ark to Jerusalem but faced a tragedy when Uzzah touched it and died, causing David to leave it at the house of Obed-edom.
c. 1003 BC— this verse
Ark moved to Jerusalem
David successfully brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration, establishing it in a tent he had prepared for it on Mount Zion.
c. 966 BC
Solomon begins Temple construction
David's son, Solomon, began the construction of the permanent Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father's desire.
This passage directly states that the Ark of the Covenant was located in the fields of Jaar (Kirjath-jearim), which is the 'fields of the wood' mentioned in the Psalm, highlighting the discovery and retrieval of God's presence.
2 Samuel 6:1-11This narrative details David's attempt to bring the Ark from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, mirroring the 'finding' and subsequent movement of God's presence that the Psalm alludes to.
1 Chronicles 13:5-6This parallel account reinforces the location of the Ark at Baale-judah, or Kirjath-jearim (the fields of Jaar/wood), emphasizing the search and retrieval aspect of the verse.
Micah 5:2This prophecy, identifying Bethlehem (Ephratah) as the birthplace of the coming ruler, connects with the 'heard of it in Ephratah' part of the Psalm, suggesting a foreknowledge of God's plans tied to significant locations.
clarkePsalms 132:6: "Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood."
Lo, we have heard of it at Ephratah - This may be considered as a continuation of David's vow, as if he had said: As I had determined to build a temple for the ark, and heard that it was at Ephratah, I went and found it in the fields of Jaar, יער; - not the wood, but Kirjath Jaar or Jearim, where the ark was then lodged; - and having found it, he entered the tabernacle, Psalm 132:7 ; and then, adoring that Go…
poolePsalms 132:6: "Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood."
We heard of it; of the place or habitation for the Lord last mentioned. At Ephratah; either, 1. In Bethlehem, which is called Ephratah, Genesis 35:19 48:7 Micah 5:2 . So the sense is either this, We heard a rumour at Bethlehem among David’s relations, that the ark should be removed to a new place, and that David had pitched upon it; or this, We heard that Bethlehem would be the place for it, because it was th…
The verse paints a picture of a journey, not just of an object, but of a realization. "We heard of it" implies rumor and uncertainty, while "we found it" signifies discovery and certainty, highlighting the transition from hearsay to the tangible presence of God's dwelling place.
This psalm recounts David's desire to build a permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant. The speaker here describes how the people initially heard tidings of the Ark's location in the Ephrathah region but later found it resting in the less prominent fields of Jaar (Kirjath-Jearim). This sets the stage for the Ark's eventual move to Jerusalem and the construction of the temple, fulfilling David's vision.
This psalm recounts David's desire to build a permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant. The speaker here describes how the people initially heard tidings of the Ark's location in the Ephrathah region but later found it resting in the less prominent fields of Jaar (Kirjath-Jearim). This sets the stage for the Ark's eventual move to Jerusalem and the construction of the temple, fulfilling David's vision.
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c. 959 BC
Temple dedication
Solomon dedicated the completed Temple in Jerusalem, and the glory of the Lord filled the house, signifying God's presence with his people in the city.
"Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar." — The verse paints a picture of a journey, not just of an object, but of a realization. "We heard of it" implies rumor and uncertainty, while "we found it" signifies discovery and certainty, highligh…