Psalms 123

Psalms 123:3

3. Jerusalem is &c.] Jerusalem is compact as to its buildings, and the inhabitants of it firmly united by mutual harmony and friendship. Dr. Chandler. Jerusalem is built as a city that is placed in the centre of union; that is, it was the great seat and centre of religion and justice, was the centre of union to all the tribes. Mudge, Dr. Delaney.

Psalms 123:4

4. — unto the testimony of Israel,] That is, “unto the ark of the testimony.” Dr. Wells, Edwards, Merrick.

5. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: A concern for the peace and happiness of our country is not only a political, but a religious virtue; a care that becomes us both as we are men, and as we are Christians; which stands not upon the narrow bottom of self-interest, but rises from a more generous principle, partaking of the love of God and love of our neighbour; since, whilst we seek the publick peace, we shew our beneficence to the one, and our obedience to the other. Bp. Sherlock.

As we are concerned for the happiness of our country in general, so ought we to be for the welfare of the Church in particular. The kingdom of our Master must subsist, as well as other kingdoms and societies do, by the cultivation of peace and unity among those who are the subjects of it. Joined to one common head, Christians should be joined likewise to each other, “keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Eph. iv. 3. Bp. Horne.

Psalm CXXIII. This is a short address to God for his special assistance under circumstances of distress, from the proud and insolent behaviour of some haughty oppressors. Travell.

Ver. 2. — unto the hand of their masters, &c.] The servants or slaves in the East still attend their masters or mistresses with the profoundest respect. Maundrell observes this to be the case in Turkey: and Bp. Pococke says, that in Egypt “every thing is done with the greatest decency and the most profound silence: the slaves or servants standing at the bottom of the room