The Glorious King
This psalm is the 11th psalm in the group of the 15 “Psalms of Ascents.” These are the psalms the pilgrims traveling from all over Israel would recite as they made the journey to Jerusalem for the three yearly feasts. This psalm would be recited as the people came to the final approach to the sanctuary of the Lord. Based on Solomon’s use of this psalm in 2 Chronicles 6:41-42, he is the most likely author.
The psalmist asks God to remember Israel on David’s behalf. God “remembrance” would be Him acting upon His promises to David in 2 Samuel 7 (1,10). He draws the pilgrim’s attention to David’s vow (1-2). Israel had not bothered with the Ark of the Covenant for 70 years (2 Sam 6). David had not forgotten and was burdened about the lack of the presence of the Lord among His people. In one of his first acts as King David vowed to not rest until he brought the Ark to Jerusalem and made a permanent place for God to dwell (3-5). The Israelites found the ark and brought it to the city in great celebration (6-9).
The psalmist asks God to remember His covenant vow to David (10-12). One of David’s descendants will sit upon the throne of Israel forever. Each of his descendants must obey the Lord if they are to continue their reign. God has chosen Jerusalem to be His dwelling place forever (14). Jerusalem will be blessed and provided for as the central place of worship for the people (15-16). God will cause a descendant to rise up from the line of David, his enemies will be humiliated, and He will rule in glory (17-18). Brethren, we worship this Davidic descendant, the annointed one Jesus, who is the King of Kings.