Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just mention hearing about something in "Ephrathah" and finding it in the "fields of Jaar" (or "wood"). It emphasizes a journey of seeking and discovery, moving from a hopeful rumor in a known place (perhaps Bethlehem or a broader region) to the actual, tangible location where God's presence would dwell. This highlights that divine plans often unfold through steps of hearing, searching, and finally finding.
Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm recounts David's desire to build a dwelling for the Ark of God. The speaker shifts to a communal voice, recalling how the Ark was first heard of in the region of Ephrathah (likely referring to Bethlehem or the wider district) and later found in the fields of Jaar, specifically Kirjath-Jearim, where it had been for many years. This sets the stage for the ark's eventual move to Jerusalem.
Have you ever felt like you're searching for something, but the clues are scattered and vague? This verse speaks of a similar quest.
This verse isn't just about locating the Ark; it's about tracing its journey and the anticipation of God's presence.
Echoes from Ephratah
'We heard of it in Ephratah' likely refers to a rumor or a tradition. Ephratah is often associated with Bethlehem, David's hometown, or the broader region of Ephraim, which included Shiloh where the Ark had previously resided. This suggests an initial awareness, a whisper of where the Ark might be or where God's presence would ultimately rest.
Found in the Fields of Jaar
'We found it in the fields of Jaar' points to a more concrete discovery. Jaar, or Kiriath-Jearim, was a place where the Ark stayed for a significant period after its return from the Philistines. It wasn't in a grand temple but in a more humble, perhaps even rustic, setting. This highlights that God's presence isn't always found in the most obvious or magnificent places, but in those designated by His choice and where His people actively sought Him.
What is the true 'it' that the Psalmist is talking about? It's more than just an artifact.
The 'it' in this verse isn't merely the Ark itself, but the dwelling place of God's presence that the Ark symbolized.
The Heart of the Matter
While commentators discuss whether 'it' refers to the Ark, a place, or a plan, the underlying reality is the manifestation of God's presence among His people. David's desire, and the Psalmist's proclamation, centers on God establishing His dwelling place.
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From Rumor to Refuge
The journey from hearing about 'it' in Ephratah (a place associated with beginnings or past presence) to finding 'it' in the fields of Jaar (a place of temporary residence) signifies the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It speaks to the faithful anticipation that God would indeed establish a permanent place for His presence, a refuge for His people.
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.
mishkan · Hebrew Noun
A place where God resides among His people, most commonly referring to the Tabernacle or the Temple. It symbolizes God's presence, holiness, and the place where humanity interacts with the divine.
chavah · Hebrew Verb
An act of bowing down or prostrating oneself before God, signifying humble submission, reverence, and adoration. It recognizes God's absolute sovereignty and worthiness.
hadom · Hebrew Noun
Often identified as the Ark of the Covenant or the Temple floor, it represents the point where heaven touches earth, emphasizing God's transcendence and the humble posture required of those approaching Him.
This verse reflects the journey of the Ark of the Covenant, from its long stay in Kirjath-jearim to its eventual, joyous establishment in Jerusalem by David. It highlights the people's memory and recognition of God's presence moving from a more obscure location ('fields of the wood') to the chosen city of Zion.
c. 1050 BC
Ark of the Covenant at Shiloh
The Ark of the Covenant is housed in Shiloh, in the territory of Ephraim. This was a central sanctuary for the Israelites for a long period.
c. 1050 BC - 1010 BC— this verse
Ark at Kirjath-jearim
After its capture by the Philistines and subsequent return, the Ark is brought to Kirjath-jearim and resides there for about 20 years in the house of Abinadab.
c. 1010 BC
David brings Ark to Jerusalem
King David, after becoming king over all Israel, brings the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, establishing it on Mount Zion.
c. 966 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
Solomon, David's son, builds the First Temple on Mount Zion to house the Ark of the Covenant, a permanent sanctuary for God's presence.
This passage directly describes the Ark of the Covenant being brought to the 'fields of Jaar' (also called Kirjath-jearim), which is the 'fields of the wood' mentioned in the psalm, explaining where it was 'found' for twenty years.
2 Samuel 6:1-15This account details David's enthusiastic effort to bring the Ark to Jerusalem from the house of Abinadab in Baale-judah (Kirjath-jearim), illustrating the nationwide joy and movement described in the psalm.
Micah 5:2This prophecy, which speaks of the ruler coming from Bethlehem (also called Ephrathah), adds depth to the 'heard of it in Ephrathah' line, potentially linking the hope of God's presence to a future king from that region.
1 Chronicles 13:1-5This passage shows David consulting with the people and realizing the Ark is at Kirjath-jearim ('Baale-judah'), echoing the psalm's sentiment of actively seeking and finding God's presence after hearing about its location.
Psalm 78:60-68This psalm contrasts God's rejection of Shiloh (in Ephraim) with His choosing of Zion and the tribe of Judah, providing context for why God's presence might be 'heard of' in the Ephraim region but ultimately 'found' elsewhere.
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 doesn't just mention hearing about something in "Ephrathah" and finding it in the "fields of Jaar" (or "wood"). It emphasizes a journey of seeking and discovery, moving from a hopeful rumor in a known place (perhaps Bethlehem or a broader region) to the actual, tangible location where God's presence would dwell. This highlights that divine plans often unfold through steps of hearing, searching, and finally finding.
This psalm recounts David's desire to build a dwelling for the Ark of God. The speaker shifts to a communal voice, recalling how the Ark was first heard of in the region of Ephrathah (likely referring to Bethlehem or the wider district) and later found in the fields of Jaar, specifically Kirjath-Jearim, where it had been for many years. This sets the stage for the ark's eventual move to Jerusalem.
This psalm recounts David's desire to build a dwelling for the Ark of God. The speaker shifts to a communal voice, recalling how the Ark was first heard of in the region of Ephrathah (likely referring to Bethlehem or the wider district) and later found in the fields of Jaar, specifically Kirjath-Jearim, where it had been for many years. This sets the stage for the ark's eventual move to Jerusalem.
"Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”" — The verse doesn't just mention hearing about something in "Ephrathah" and finding it in the "fields of Jaar" (or "wood"). It emphasizes a journey of seeking and discovery, moving from a hopeful rumor…
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Last reviewed October 2026