Psalms 122
AOSNPsalms 122:1-9
Jerusalem is presented here as the city of God, the city of David, and the center of faith. A group of pilgrims joyfully arrives in the city (Psalm 122:1–2). The psalmist praises Jerusalem (Psalm 122:3–5) and prays for the city’s peace (122:6–9).
Psalms 122:1
The central sanctuary was the house of the LORD. This phrase first referred to the tabernacle (Exodus 23:19; 34:26).
Psalms 122:2
Several psalms celebrate or look forward to being inside the gates of the city (Psalms 9:14; 87:2; 100:4; 118:19).
Psalms 122:3-5
Jerusalem can represent God’s heavenly dwelling place. David became the model for the rulers God chooses.
Psalms 122:3
In the time of David and Solomon, people knew Jerusalem as a safe place (1 Kings 10:6–7).
Psalms 122:4
Each person in Israel belonged to a tribe, and all tribes belonged to the Lord.
Giving thanks means presenting an offering acceptable to the Lord (Psalms 50:14, 23; 100:4; 118:19).
as a testimony for Israel: See Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16.
Psalms 122:5
the thrones of judgment stand: In the time of David and Solomon (1 Kings 3:28), Jerusalem was known for wisdom and justice. It will be like that again (Isaiah 9:7).
Psalms 122:6-9
Prayers for the peace of Jerusalem are motivated by love of family and God’s sanctuary.
Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.