Psalms 122

The psalmist expresses profound joy at the call to go to Jerusalem, the unified city where the tribes gather for worship and where the thrones of judgment are established. He then earnestly calls for prayers for Jerusalem's peace, promising prosperity to those who love her. The psalmist pledges to seek the city's good for the sake of his brethren and the house of the LORD.

Psalm 122, a Song of Degrees by David, begins with the psalmist's deep gladness at the prospect of journeying to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. He envisions standing within the city's gates, describing Jerusalem as a unified and well-built city. It is the designated place where the tribes of Israel ascend to give thanks and fulfill the testimony of the LORD. Furthermore, Jerusalem is identified as the seat of authority, where the thrones of judgment for the house of David are established. The psalm then shifts to an earnest exhortation to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, promising prosperity to those who love her. The psalmist personally invokes peace within her walls and palaces, declaring his commitment to seek her good for the sake of his brethren, companions, and the very house of the LORD our God.

Psalm 122, attributed to David as a Song of Degrees, opens with a declaration of profound joy and anticipation. The psalmist expresses his gladness upon hearing the call to go to the house of the LORD, envisioning his feet standing within the sacred gates of Jerusalem. He then describes Jerusalem as a city meticulously built, compact and unified, emphasizing its architectural integrity and communal cohesion. This city serves as the central gathering place for the tribes of the LORD, who ascend there to fulfill the testimony of Israel and to offer thanks unto the name of the LORD. Beyond its religious significance, Jerusalem is also portrayed as the seat of civil authority, where the thrones of judgment, specifically those of the house of David, are established. The psalm transitions into a fervent appeal for the welfare of Jerusalem. The psalmist directly commands, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," immediately followed by a promise that "they shall prosper that love thee." He then personally pronounces a blessing, wishing for "Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces." This desire for Jerusalem's well-being is rooted in deep personal and communal ties. The psalmist states that for the sake of his "brethren and companions," he will declare, "Peace be within thee." Finally, his commitment to the city's welfare is underscored by his devotion to God, as he concludes by affirming, "Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good." This psalm thus encapsulates themes of pilgrimage, communal worship, divine justice, and patriotic devotion to the holy city.