Psalms 122

Psalms 122:1-9

Joy in God’ s House Psalms 122:1-9 As in the other psalms of the series there is here alternation between soloist and choir. In Psalms 122:1 the soloist rejoices in the proposal made to go on a pilgrimage. The chorus announces that the journey is already accomplished, Psalms 122:2-5. The Church of Christ is compacted, built together, by His tears, and blood, and risen power. In Psalms 122:6, the soloist bids the company salute Jerusalem, r.v. margin, and the chorus replies. In Psalms 122:7-9 the soloist announces three reasons why they should pray for Jerusalem’ s peace: They who love her prosper; those who reside within her precincts are our brethren and companions; hers is the house of God builded for His habitation. Psalms 123:1-4 The life of the pilgrim is full of sharp contrasts. Yesterday he was rejoicing in Jerusalem and sharing her peace; today he is grieved with the contempt of her foes. Hence this tiny psalm, which has been compared to “ a sigh, an upward look, a sigh.” The oriental servant is an adept at reading the meaning of his master’ s slightest gesture, Psalms 123:2. Let us live, as our Savior did, with our eye fixed on the least indication of God’ s will. See Acts 16:1-10.

Peace be within Thy walls! If the former Psalm was sung of the pilgrim band, when retiring to rest on the last evening, when Jerusalem was already in sight–this would be sung one station further on, when the pilgrims had reached the gates of Jerusalem and halted for the purpose of arranging themselves for solemn procession to the temple.

It is ascribed to David, and internal evidence confirms the inscription. The city newly built and beautified was the seat of David’s government. The house of the Lord, referred to in Psalms 122:1; Psalms 122:9, is clearly the early sanctuary, which was known by this name (Judges 18:31; Judges 19:18).

Psalms 122:1. Let us go into the house of the Lord! There is an illustration of this in Isaiah 2:3. It was much to have reached Jerusalem, but much more to have a desire to visit the Lord’s house; for that was not merely a material edifice it was also the place where God met pious souls. Oh for this desire after God!

Psalms 122:2. Our feet are standing (R.V.) What a difference a step may make! All the difference between outside and inside–between a stranger and foreigner or a child at home.

Psalms 122:3. Jerusalem a compact city (compare 2 Samuel 5:9) This is an expression of wonder that the stately city had arisen so quickly under the genius of David. What shall we not say, one day, of the new Jerusalem, when she descends from God in his glory! (Revelation 21:2).

Psalms 122:4. Whither the tribes go up From the external splendor of Jerusalem the Psalmist passes on to praise her internal glory. She was the religious center and metropolis of the nation. The law to that effect had been laid down in the opening of the national history (Exodus 23:17, Deuteronomy 16:16).

Psalms 122:6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem In the Hebrew there is a graceful alliteration of this verse:- Peace in the City of Peace: May those be at peace who love her!

As though David would make the beloved name as dear to his people as it was to himself. Prosperity still attends those who love the name and cause of God. In such souls there are already present the elements of prosperity and blessedness.

Psalms 122:7. Peace and prosperity! Let us never forget to pray for the good estate of the Church Universal, in public and in our private devotions. Such prayers must be dear to her Bridegroom, Christ.

Psalms 122:8. For my brethren and companions’ sakes All who are members of that Church are our brethren and friends.

Psalms 122:9. I will seek Thy good Let all strive to promote the cause of God by word and life, by exertions and prayers.