Martin Luther on Psalms 132:2

Verse. 2. VVho sware vnto the Lord, and vowed vnto the God of Iacob, saying:

It seemeth that these wordes may not vnfitly be applyed vnto Salomon as the author of the Psalme. For thus he sayth in effect: Thou hast promised vnto Dauid the kingdom. Dauid againe promised to build vnto thee a temple. This vowe is now performed and accomplished: Do thou also now O Lord, performe thy promise, and be thou present in this place and with this people. Thus he offereth the temple and the Arke to the Lord in the faith of the promise made vnto Dauid concerning the light which should neuer be put out, and desireth that this promise may be kept. As touching this vowe of Dauid the Scripture speaketh nothing: The vowe of Dauid. but maketh mention of that talke and consultation only, which he had wt the Prophet Nathan. 2. Reg. 6. But the author of this Psalme goeth about to commend and set forth the good will of Dauid by the name of a vowe, because he had determined with him self thus to declare his thankfulnes and to testifie his faith in the promise of God.

Where the interpreters haue translated: the God of Iacob, it is in the hebrewe: Mightie in Iacob. the mightie in Iacob. Which name is sometimes attributed vnto the Angells, and sometimes it is also applied to other thinges wherein is great strength and fortitude, as to a lyon, an oxe and such like. But here it is a singular word of faith, signifying that God is the power and strength of his people: For onely faith ascribeth this vnto God. Reason and the flesh doe attribute more to riches and such other worldly helpes as it seeth and knoweth. But all such carnall helpes are very idolls, which deceiue men and draw them to perdition. But this is the strength and fortitude of the people, to haue God present with them. This strength and this power preserued the Iewish people, as a litle handfull, in the middes of all their enemies. Moreouer, this name is attributed vnto God, to this end, that we should vnderstand that it is he alone which giueth strength and victorie. So the Scripture sayth in an other place: Psal. 19. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lorde. Likewise Paule sayth: Ephes. 6.10. Be strong in the Lord & in the power of his might. For this power is eternall and deceiueth not. All other powers are not onely deceitfull, but they are also transitorie and continue but a moment.