The psalm remembers David's vow to find a dwelling place for the LORD. God swore to David that his descendants would sit on his throne, and he has chosen Zion as his resting place forever.
1 A Song of degrees . LORD , remember David , and all his afflictions :
2 How he sware unto the LORD , and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob ;
3 Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house , nor go up into my bed ;
4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes , or slumber to mine eyelids ,
5 Until I find out a place for the LORD , an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob .
6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah : we found it in the fields of the wood .
7 We will go into his tabernacles : we will worship at his footstool .
8 Arise , O LORD , into thy rest ; thou, and the ark of thy strength .
9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness ; and let thy saints shout for joy .
10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed .
11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David ; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne .
12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore .
13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion ; he hath desired it for his habitation .
14 This is my rest for ever : here will I dwell ; for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless her provision : I will satisfy her poor with bread .
16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation : and her saints shall shout aloud for joy .
17 There will I make the horn of David to bud : I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed .
18 His enemies will I clothe with shame : but upon himself shall his crown flourish .