A Song of degrees.
Whether this psalm was penned by David when he brought up the ark of God from Kirjath-jearim, 2Sam. 6, or for Solomon’s dedication of the temple, 1Kings 8, is uncertain. It contains, (1.) A representation of David’s pious and earnest care to provide a proper lodging for God’s ark, ver. 1-7. (2.) Earnest prayers for God’s presence and blessing to attend his ark, ver. 8-10. (3.) David’s care to provide an habitation for God; and God’s promises to David relating to the prosperity and establishment of his family, especially in the Messiah, are pleaded as arguments to enforce these requests, ver. 1-5, 10-18.
While I sing, let my soul, with ardour, go out after God, the living God. Let nothing less than his presence in his ordinances satisfy my desires. Let the welfare of his ministers and people be matter of my deep concern. Let me admire the kindness of God, that I have so many exceeding great and precious promises to plead upon. While I sing them, let me grasp, let me believe them, with my whole heart.