Comprehension and Interpretation--The worshipers are singing a tribute to their great king, David. He would not rest until there was a place built for the ark of the covenant, the Presence of God in their midst. Everywhere he went, he declared he would not rest until he saw this temple built. As they arrive at the temple, they recognize this beautiful place-- although built under the leadership of David's son, King Solomon--is the dream of King David come true. God promised David he will always have a son, a descendant, on the throne, if they keep the commandments. God will always keep His promise to the nation of Israel, His beloved, chosen people. But out of David will also sprout a KING of kings. This King will rule a spiritual kingdom of people whom God also loves. A song of promise to David's family, personally. A song of promise to the chosen people of God, Israel. A song of promise for the coming King, whose crown will outshine them all!! (1 Chronicles 28: 2 Chronicles 6; 1 Kings 2; Psalm 99)
*Christ Connection*--Jesus has been arrested and brought first to the high priest, the leader of the very temple to which the worshipers are traveling. The religious leaders are desperate to get rid of Jesus and the threat they think He poses. These priests have devoted their entire lives to studying the Old Testament and all of the promises of a Rescuer. Yet, just as King David would not rest until he saw the presence of God in it's rightful place, they will not rest until they see Jesus killed. As the pilgrims come into Jerusalem, singing of their coming Messiah and His New Kingdom, I wonder if Jesus could hear "Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one." When asked by Pilate if He is a king, Jesus says "My kingdom is not of this world." Jesus is the Ark of the Covenant personified. Jesus is the Presence of God right in front of them. Jesus is fulfilling His purpose, the reason He was born. To set up a new kingdom, one where priests will be clothed with salvation and not murderous intent. A new kingdom where the saints will shout for joy and not shout "crucify Him." And instead of a crown of thorns, Christ Jesus, Rescuer, will wear a crown that shines.
Application--These pilgrims know that God has promised them a Messiah, a Savior, One who will rescue them from their trials. When they sing "The Lord has chosen Zion", they are thinking of the anointed one swooping in, taking over Jerusalem and rescuing Israel from all of its enemies. As they looked forward to that day, they always seem to miss the point. (As Jesus said in Luke 19:41-44) We have an advantage over these pilgrims, because we are able to look back at that day. We can see the truth of the events that fulfilled every promise of the Old Testament. Jesus said "Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." This changes me, because I do know the truth and so I should be listening to His voice. My prayer is that my purpose is like King David's-- "I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord...."
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