The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 122
In brief
Psalm 122 is a song of ascents of David, sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. It begins with the joy of hearing the invitation: let us go to the house of the Lord. It then describes Jerusalem, a city closely knit together, where the tribes go up to give thanks to the name of the Lord and where justice sits enthroned. It ends with a prayer for the peace of the city, its people and the house of God. It has become a psalm for expressing the joy of gathering with God's people.
The chapter in 3 parts
1I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to Yahweh’s house!”
2Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem,
3Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together,
4where the tribes go up, even Yah’s tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to Yahweh’s name.
5For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of David’s house.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.
7Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.
8For my brothers’ and companions’ sakes, I will now say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of Yahweh our God, I will seek your good.
Key verses
I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to Yahweh’s house!”
The joy here is not that of an obligation but of an invitation. The verse describes the eagerness of someone who is glad to be called to find God's presence together with others.
Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together, where the tribes go up, even Yah’s tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to Yahweh’s name.
Jerusalem is presented as a united city, where all the tribes go up together. The purpose is clear: to give thanks to the name of the Lord. The unity of the people comes from this common center.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is a command. The word peace, shalom, means more than the absence of war: it speaks of wholeness and security.
For my brothers’ and companions’ sakes, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of Yahweh our God, I will seek your good.
The psalmist gives two reasons to pray for peace: for the sake of his brothers and friends, and for the sake of the house of God. Prayer is born from attachment to people and to God.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 122
What does Psalm 122 mean?
It is a pilgrimage song. A believer expresses his joy at going to the house of the Lord, describes Jerusalem as a united city where the people come to praise God and where justice is done, then prays for the peace of the city, its inhabitants and the house of God.
What is a song of ascents?
The songs of ascents are fifteen psalms, from Psalm 120 to Psalm 134. Pilgrims are thought to have sung them as they went up to Jerusalem for the great feasts. Psalm 122 is attributed to David. The word ascents can also be translated as goings up, and these songs are sometimes called songs of the steps.
How can I pray with Psalm 122?
Before going to your church, say verse 1 to rejoice at meeting your brothers and sisters there. Thank God for the unity of your congregation with verses 3 and 4. Then pray for the peace of your church, your city and those you love, using verses 6 to 9.
Articles quoting Psalm 122
- Opening Prayer for Worship: 15 Examples to Begin Praise
- Church Invitation Messages: 15 Examples That Make People Want to Come
- Genesis 12: God's Eternal Covenant with Israel
- Psalm 133: Unity, Where God Sends the Blessing
- Come Back to Say Thank You and Walk in the Ancient Paths
- The Keys to Experiencing God's Presence
World English Bible translation — public domain.