For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

PSALMS 132:13KJV
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Psalms 132:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 132:13 mean?

Psalms 132:13 says that the LORD has specifically chosen Zion and wants it to be the place where He dwells. This verse highlights God's special selection of Zion as His home among His people.

This psalm is part of a song sung by worshipers traveling to Jerusalem, reflecting on God's promises to David and the importance of Zion (another name for Jerusalem). The verse emphasizes that God's presence in Zion is not accidental but the result of His deliberate choice and desire.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 132:13

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, showing that it is the God of Israel who is acting here.
  • chosen (בָּחַר, bachar): This word means to select or pick out with intention. It stresses that God’s decision for Zion is purposeful, not random.
  • Zion (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): This refers to Jerusalem, especially the hill where the temple stood. It represents the spiritual and political center of Israel.
  • desired (אָוָה, avah): This word means to long for or deeply want. It shows God’s strong affection for Zion, not just a formal decision.
  • habitation (מוֹשָׁב, moshav): This means a dwelling place or home. It underlines that God intends to make Zion His settled, ongoing place of presence.

Why Psalms 132:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Zion’s importance comes from God’s own choice and desire, not from any human achievement or merit.
  • It connects to the larger theme of Psalms 132, which focuses on God’s promises to David and the lasting significance of Jerusalem in Israel’s faith.
  • The verse helps explain why Zion, and by extension Jerusalem, is so central in biblical history and worship—it is the place God Himself has chosen to dwell.

Where else these words appear

“desired” Hebrew H183 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 11:4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
  • 1 Kings 11:37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.
  • Proverbs 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

“habitation” Hebrew H4186 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 10:30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.
  • Leviticus 23:31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:4 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.