“Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here, the phrase "his footstool" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing that even this sacred object, where God's presence was manifest, was merely a symbol—God Himself is infinitely greater, seated on a throne far beyond earthly dwelling places. This highlights that true worship isn't about a building or an object, but about reaching upward to God Himself, using these earthly signs as a stepping stone.
“Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is about the longing for God's presence and dwelling place, specifically remembering David's desire to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant. The verses immediately preceding this one speak of a search for this divine dwelling, mentioning Ephratah and the fields of the wood. This verse then expresses the people's enthusiastic response and commitment to gather and worship God at the appointed sanctuary, likely referring to the Ark itself as God's footstool.
Imagine a time when the central place of worship was lost or neglected. This verse isn't just a statement; it's a call to action born from that experience.
This verse, "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!", is a vibrant exhortation. It speaks of a community deciding to actively seek out God's presence. The 'dwelling place' likely refers to the Tabernacle or later the Temple, where God's presence was signified. The 'footstool' is a profound image, often referring to the Ark of the Covenant – the sacred chest where God's law was kept and where His presence was believed to rest above the mercy seat.
This isn't about passively remembering God; it's a deliberate, collective decision: 'Let us go.' It implies a renewal of worship, a recommitment to gathering and approaching God with reverence, especially after a period of His presence being less accessible or prominent. It's a reminder that our faith often calls for intentional movement towards God's designated places of worship, whether physical or spiritual.
What does it mean for God to have a 'footstool' on Earth? This image reveals incredible truths about His majesty and His nearness.
The phrase 'his footstool' is a powerful metaphor. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a ruler's footstool symbolized their dominion and authority. For Israel, the Ark of the Covenant, housed in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, served as this symbolic footstool.
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Understand the original words
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 a hopeful anticipation or celebration of Jerusalem becoming the new center of worship, emphasizing the joy and determination to approach God's presence after a period of its displacement and neglect.
c. 1050 BC
Ark Moves to Shiloh
After the conquest of Canaan, the Ark of the Covenant was set up in Shiloh, becoming the central place of worship for the Israelites.
c. 1050-1010 BC
Philistine Wars and Ark Capture
During a period of conflict with the Philistines, the Ark was captured and held for several months, leading to its eventual return to Israel but not to Shiloh.
c. 1010 BC
Ark Settles in Kiriath-Jearim
After its return from the Philistines, the Ark remained in the village of Kiriath-Jearim for about 20 years, a time of spiritual neglect and disorganization.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David Plans a Dwelling for the Ark
King David, deeply desiring to honor God, resolved to build a permanent dwelling and bring the Ark to Jerusalem, a project that would establish a new center for worship.
c. 990 BC
Ark Brought to Jerusalem
Following David's plans, the Ark was finally brought to Jerusalem, though initially placed in a temporary tent, signifying the re-establishment of central worship.
This passage directly identifies the Ark of the Covenant as God's footstool, reinforcing the imagery used in Psalms 132:7 and highlighting the Ark's significance as a place of worship.
Psalm 99:5Similar to Psalms 132:7, this verse calls for worship at God's footstool, directly linking worship to this sacred place and underscoring its importance in approaching God.
Matthew 12:6Jesus declares that something greater than the temple is here, referencing the temple as a place where God's presence is uniquely found, paralleling the reverence shown to God's dwelling place in Psalms 132:7.
Hebrews 4:16This New Testament passage encourages believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, echoing the Psalmist's call to worship at God's footstool and enter His presence.
Isaiah 66:1This prophetic verse speaks of heaven as God's throne and the earth as His footstool, providing a cosmic perspective that deepens the understanding of God's majesty implied in Psalms 132:7.
cambridgePsalms 132:7: "We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool."
7 . Let us go into his dwelling place, Let us worship at the footstool of his feet. This is the mutual exhortation of the Israelites to come and worship in the ‘dwelling place’ ( Psalm 132:5 ) which David had resolved to prepare, before the Ark. Jehovah’s footstool may mean His sanctuary, as in Psalm 99:5 ; but here more probably, as in 1 Chronicles 28:2 , the Ark is meant. As He is enthroned upon the Cherubim, t…
pulpitPsalms 132:7: "We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool."
Verse 7. - We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool. The transfer is regarded as accomplished, and the worship as re-established, which had been intermitted while the ark was at Kirjath-jearim.
Here, the phrase "his footstool" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing that even this sacred object, where God's presence was manifest, was merely a symbol—God Himself is infinitely greater, seated on a throne far beyond earthly dwelling places. This highlights that true worship isn't about a building or an object, but about reaching upward to God Himself, using these earthly signs as a stepping stone.
This psalm is about the longing for God's presence and dwelling place, specifically remembering David's desire to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant. The verses immediately preceding this one speak of a search for this divine dwelling, mentioning Ephratah and the fields of the wood. This verse then expresses the people's enthusiastic response and commitment to gather and worship God at the appointed sanctuary, likely referring to the Ark itself as God's footstool.
This psalm is about the longing for God's presence and dwelling place, specifically remembering David's desire to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant. The verses immediately preceding this one speak of a search for this divine dwelling, mentioning Ephratah and the fields of the wood. This verse then expresses the people's enthusiastic response and commitment to gather and worship God at the appointed sanctuary, likely referring to the Ark itself as God's footstool.
"“Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”" — Here, the phrase "his footstool" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing that even this sacred object, where God's presence was manifest, was merely a symbol—God Himself is infinitely greater,…
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Last reviewed October 2026