Psalms 122

Ps 122 Jerusalem is here idealized as the city of God, the city of David, and the city of faith. A group of people on a pilgrimage joyfully arrive in the city (122:1-2). The psalmist sings an ode to Jerusalem (122:3-5) and prays for the city’s peace (122:6-9).122:1 The central sanctuary was the house of the Lord. This phrase originally referred to the Tabernacle (Exod 23:19; 34:26).

122:2 Several psalms celebrate or look forward to being inside the gates of the city (9:14; 87:2; 100:4; 118:19).

122:3-5 Jerusalem is a metaphor for God’s heavenly dwelling. David was the archetype for God’s chosen rulers.122:3 In the time of David and Solomon, Jerusalem was renowned as a place of security (1 Kgs 10:6-7).

122:4 Each of the people of Israel belonged to one of the tribes, and all of the tribes belonged to the Lord. • To give thanks is to present an offering acceptable to the Lord (50:14, 23; 100:4; 118:19). • as the law requires of Israel: See Exod 23:17; Deut 16:16.

122:5 the thrones where judgment is given: In the eras of David and Solomon (1 Kgs 3:28), Jerusalem was the home of wisdom and justice; it would be so again (Isa 9:7).

122:6-9 Prayers for the peace of Jerusalem are motivated by love of family and God’s sanctuary.