FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 122: Peace be on Jerusalem
A
song of ascents. Of David.
[Preliminary
Comments: In this third psalm of ascents, the pilgrim-psalmist
approaches the city from outside and seeing its gates and great
walls, acknowledges this is the city of God of the house of David
and calls for us to pray for peace for it.]
v.1
He rejoiced
when they first suggested going to Jerusalem to worship
v.1
I
rejoiced with those who said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.'
v.2,3
Now as he comes up to the gates, he extols the city
v.2
Our
feet are standing
in your gates, Jerusalem.
v.3
Jerusalem
is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
v.4,5
This is the place where the people of God gather to worship God
v.4
That
is where the tribes go up –
the tribes of the Lord –
to praise the name of the Lord
according to the statute given to Israel.
v.5 There
stand the thrones for judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.
v.6,7
As God's dwelling place, we should pray for its ongoing peace
v.6
Pray
for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May those who love you be secure.
v.7 May
there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.'
v.8,9
As a foundation stone of their lives he will pray for its blessing
v.8
For
the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, ‘Peace be within you.'
v.9 For
the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
[Additional
Comments: In the
previous two psalms, the psalmist has been adjusting his outlook
to reject the world and trust in God in heart preparation for
meeting up with God at the temple but, as a pilgrim, he approaches
the city and is almost overwhelmed by its greatness and recognises
that this is both the dwelling place of God among His people,
and the place of national gatherings to be with Him. He wants
it to be not only strong but secure and lasting and therefore
recognises a need to pray for its peace.]
Continue
to Psa 123