Psalms122
English Standard Version
1A of . Of . I was when they to me, Let us to the of the Lord!
2Our have been within your , O !
3 — as a that is ,
4to the , the of the Lord, as was for , to to the of the Lord.
5 for were , the of the of .
6 for the of ! May they be who you!
7 be within your and within your !
8For my and ’ I will , be within you!
9For the of the of the Lord our , I will your .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 122.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Esteem for Jerusalem. (1–5). Concern for its welfare. (6–9).
vv1-5
The pleasure and profit from means of grace, should make us disregard trouble and fatigue in going to them; and we should quicken one another to what is good. We should desire our Christian friends, when they have any good work in hand, to call for us, and take us with them. With what readiness should we think of the heavenly Jerusalem! How cheerfully should we bear the cross and welcome death, in hopes of a crown of glory! Jerusalem is called the beautiful city. It was a type of the gospel church, which is compact together in holy love and Christian communion, so that it is all as one city. If all the disciples of Christ were of one mind, and kept the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, their enemies would be deprived of their chief advantages against them. But Satan's maxim always has been, to divide that he may conquer; and few Christians are sufficiently aware of his designs.
vv6-9
Those who can do nothing else for the peace of Jerusalem, may pray for it. Let us consider all who seek the glory of the Redeemer, as our brethren and fellow-travellers, without regarding differences which do not affect our eternal welfare. Blessed Spirit of peace and love, who didst dwell in the soul of the holy Jesus, descend into his church, and fill those who compose it with his heavenly tempers; cause bitter contentions to cease, and make us to be of one mind. Love of the brethren and love to God, ought to stir us up to seek to be like the Lord Jesus in fervent prayer and unwearied labour, for the salvation of men, and the Divine glory.
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
שָׂמַח: probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
אָמַר: to say (used with great latitude)
יָלַךְ: to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
בַּיִת: a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
רֶגֶל: a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
עָמַד: to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
שַׁעַר: an opening, i.e. door or gate
Cross References
Psalms 122The divine requisition for all the male tribes to go up to the Lord's house.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Establishes the thrones of judgment in Jerusalem for ecclesiastical and civil matters.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophetic description of people encouraging one another to go and seek the Lord.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
The promise that Jehovah has chosen Zion as his resting place forever.
Supported by John Calvin
Relates to the occupants of the thrones of the house of David.
Supported by JFB
Focuses on the gates of Jerusalem as God's loved, permanent habitation.
Supported by JFB
Connects the ark to the 'testimony of Israel' as the place of God's presence.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the promise that those who bless/love God's people shall prosper.
Supported by Matthew Poole