Psalm 122:1-9
I Rejoiced
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
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 where the tribes go up to give thanks. Worship is shared movement toward a common place.
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 is Jerusalem's city structure connected to?
AnswerIt is connected to worship, the gathered tribes, and thrones for judgment.
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
Worship should send us toward the good of the place where God has put us. Pray for peace, then ask what justice and neighborly care would make peace more truthful.
Shared worship is a gift, but it should not become a substitute for the welfare of the wider city.
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.