Psalms 122

David rejoiceth over the welfare of the house or Church of God at Jerusalem, wishing that it might long continue.

1. A song (or hymn) Hammaaloth, [See Psalms 120:1.] of David: I do rejoice i those that say unto me: we will go into the house of the LORD: [i.e. unto the place, in the City of David, where the Ark was, 1 Chron.16.1.]

2. Our feet are standing in thy gates, O Jerusalem [i.e. they may stand; we need not now journey from place to place, as in the time, when the Ark of the Covenant had no assured place of rest; now we shall have it stedfastly at Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem is built as a City, which is well compacted (or joined together) [i.e. as a City well ordered and compleatly furnished, whether in regard of the structures, 2 Sam.5.9. and 1 Chron.11.8. or in regard of the government civil, or ecclesiastical, Ephesians 2. Verse 21,22.]

4. Whither the Tribes, [viz. The twelve Tribes of the Israelites, whose God the Lord is] go up, viz. On the yearly feasts, according to the Commandments prescribed in Gods Law, Exod.23.17. Deut.ch. 16.v.16.17.] the Tribes of the LORD, (unto) the Testimony [viz. To the Ark of the Covenant wherein the Testimony, that is to say, the Tables of the Law were laid up; Exod.25.21,22.] of Israel, [i.e. which was given by God unto the people of Israel] to give thanks unto the Name of the LORD.

5. For there [viz. At Jerusalem] are the seats of Judgement set, the seats of the house of David, [i.e. the chiefest judicature or judgement-seat, or place of justice of all Jewry; for Jerusalem was the Metropolis of all the Land, where the King and his Councel had their residence; 2 Chron.19.8. Others, there they sate (upon) stools.]

6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; [Or wish Jerusalem peace, i.e. welfare, as Luke 19:42.] well may they fare that love thee. [viz. O Jerusalem.]

7. Peace be in thy fortress, [Or, out-burrough, fence, fortification, walls,] welfare within thy palaces: [or rest, etc.]

8. For my brethren and for my friends sake, [By the name of brethren the Psalmist doth understand all the people of Israel: for they all one God and Father in heaven: and according to the flesh, they were all of them descending from their forefather Jacob] shall I say now Peace be within thee. [i.e. I shall pray to God, to give you peace and prosperity.]

9. For the house sake of the LORD our God. [i.e. the Tabernacles, 1 Chron.16.1. and afterward the Temple, which was built by Salomon, after Davids death] will I seek the good for thee.