Psalm 122
A song [of David][a] for those
journeying to worship.
This is a Davidic psalm celebrating
the grandeur and significance of Jerusalem and its temple. It is ironic that
Jerusalem means “city of peace” since more battles have been fought over it
than over any other city.
1 I was so happy when my fellow
pilgrims said,
“Let’s go to the house of the Eternal!”
2 We have made the journey, and now we are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
“Let’s go to the house of the Eternal!”
2 We have made the journey, and now we are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem! What
a magnificent city!
Buildings so close together, so compact.
4 God’s people belong here. Every tribe of the Eternal
makes its way to Jerusalem—
Just as God decreed for Israel
to come together and give thanks to the Eternal.
5 In Jerusalem, justice is the order of the day because there sit the judges
and kings, the descendants of David.
Buildings so close together, so compact.
4 God’s people belong here. Every tribe of the Eternal
makes its way to Jerusalem—
Just as God decreed for Israel
to come together and give thanks to the Eternal.
5 In Jerusalem, justice is the order of the day because there sit the judges
and kings, the descendants of David.
6 Ask heaven to grant peace to Jerusalem:
“May those who love you prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may His peace fill this entire city!
May this citadel be quiet and at ease!”
8 It’s because of people—my family, friends, and acquaintances—
that I say, “May peace permeate you.”
9 And because the house of Eternal One, our God, is here, know this:
I will always seek your good!
“May those who love you prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may His peace fill this entire city!
May this citadel be quiet and at ease!”
8 It’s because of people—my family, friends, and acquaintances—
that I say, “May peace permeate you.”
9 And because the house of Eternal One, our God, is here, know this:
I will always seek your good!
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Chapter 122
This psalm seems to have been
penned by David for the use of the people of Israel, when they came up to
Jerusalem to worship at the three solemn feasts. It was in David’s time that
Jerusalem was first chosen to be the city where God would record his name. It
being a new thing, this, among other means, was used to bring the people to be
in love with Jerusalem, as the holy city, though it was but the other day in
the hands of the Jebusites. Observe, I. The joy with which they were to go up
to Jerusalem, Ps. 122:1, 2. II. The great esteem they were to have of
Jerusalem, Ps. 122:3-5. III. The great concern they were to have for Jerusalem,
and the prayers they were to put up for its welfare, Ps. 122:6-9. In singing
this psalm we must have an eye to the gospel church, which is called the
“Jerusalem that is from above.”
The Bible Panorama
Psalm 122
V 1–2: GLAD TO GO David is glad to go to the temple in Jerusalem to praise
God.
V 3–5: TESTIMONY OF TRIBES The tribes of Israel go there to thank the Lord ,
who Himself is the ‘Testimony of Israel’.
V 6–9:
PRAY FOR PEACE David
urges that prayer for the peace of Jerusalem be made.
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