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Psalms 122

1

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

2

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

3

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

4

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

5

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

7

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

8

For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

9

Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.

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Psalms 122

Psalm 122 is a song of ascent expressing joy in approaching Jerusalem and praying for the city's peace and security, exemplifying the theological concerns of Book 5. The psalmist employs vivid imagery and direct address to God, establishing the intimate dialogue between worshiper and the divine that characterizes the psalmic tradition. The theological assertions center on God's character as both judge and redeemer, creating a comprehensive vision of divine justice and mercy integrated with human experience. The psalm reflects on both personal circumstance and communal identity, suggesting that individual faith finds validation through shared experience with the covenant community. The liturgical context indicates this psalm's function in worship where personal piety integrates with communal celebration of God's acts and attributes. The concluding movement typically affirms confidence in God's faithfulness, exemplifying the psalmic pattern of transformation through prayer and remembrance of divine acts throughout history.

Psalms 122:1

I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!' The gladness ('I was glad') at the prospect of pilgrimage ('go to the house of the LORD') establishes the psalm's emotional tone. This verse indicates joy at collective worship.

Psalms 122:2

Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Psalms 122:3

Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.

Psalms 122:4

To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the LORD.

Psalms 122:5

For there the thrones for judgment are set, the thrones of the house of David.

Psalms 122:6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you prosper!' The petition for Jerusalem's 'peace' is coupled with blessing for its 'lovers.' This verse calls for intercession for the city's well-being.

Psalms 122:7

'Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.' The blessings target both walls ('peace within your walls') and defensive structures ('security within your towers'). This verse prays for both internal and external security.

Psalms 122:8

For the sake of my relatives and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' The personal relationships ('relatives and friends') motivate the peace-blessing. This verse extends the prayer to those connected by kinship and friendship.

Psalms 122:9

For the sake of the house of the LORD my God, I will seek your good.