JFB Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 122

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

Commentary Notes

v1

Psalms 122:1

Ps 122:1-9. This Psalm might well express the sacred joy of the pilgrims on entering the holy city, where praise, as the religious as well as civil metropolis, is celebrated, and for whose prosperity, as representing the Church, prayer is offered.

1, 2. Our feet shall stand —literally, "are standing."

Ps 122 1-Ps 122 9
v3

Psalms 122:3

3-5. compact together —all parts united, as in David's time.

v4

Psalms 122:4

4. testimony —If "unto" is supplied, this may denote the ark (Ex 25:10-21); otherwise the act of going is denoted, called a testimony in allusion to the requisition (De 16:16), with which it was a compliance.

Exod 25 10-Exod 25 21Deut 16 16
v5

Psalms 122:5

5. there are set thrones —or, "do sit, thrones," used for the occupants, David's sons (2Sa 8:18).

2Sam 8 18
v6

Psalms 122:6

6, 7. Let peace —including prosperity, everywhere prevail.

v8

Psalms 122:8

8, 9. In the welfare of the city, as its civil, and especially the religious relations, was involved that of Israel.

now —as in Ps 115:2.

Ps 115 2
v9

Psalms 122:9

9. Let me say— house of … God —in wider sense, the Church, whose welfare would be promoted by the good of Jerusalem.