Psalm 122:1-9

I Rejoiced

Read the passage

1A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

2Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.

3Jerusalem is built up as a city united together,

4where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

5For there the thrones of judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.

6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.

7May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.”

8For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”

9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

David rejoices when people say, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” The travelers' feet are standing within Jerusalem's gates, a city built compactly together. The tribes gather there to thank the LORD together.

The city contains thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Jerusalem's peace is not merely quiet streets; it requires justice at the center. The singer prays for peace within the walls and prosperity within the citadels for the sake of family and friends.

He will seek the city's good because of the house of the LORD. Love for worship becomes concern for the city's welfare rather than an escape from public responsibility.

Questions

1 Why does David rejoice?

AnswerHe rejoices because people are going to the house of the LORD together.

2 What happens in Jerusalem?

AnswerThe tribes gather to thank the LORD, and the kings of David’s house sit in judgment there.

3 What does David pray for?

AnswerHe prays for peace within the city and prosperity for the sake of family and friends.

4 Why will he seek the city's good?

AnswerHe will seek its good because of the house of the LORD and the people who live there.

What This Means for Us

David's gladness at going to worship leads him to pray for the people who share the city. When you gather with your church, remember the neighbors around it as well as the people inside. Pray for fair decisions from those in authority and for families to live in peace.

David also commits himself to seeking the city's good. Follow your prayer with care for a neighbor: offer help with a need you know about, or work to settle a disagreement fairly.

Prayer

LORD, give communities joy in gathering and courage to seek the good of their cities. Establish fair judgment, protect families and neighbors, and make our worship serve peace. Amen.

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