Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary PSALM 122
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." Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 2. gates—(Compare Ps 9:14; 87:2).
Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: 3-5. compact together—all parts united, as in David's time.
Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. 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.
For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 5. there are set thrones—or, "do sit, thrones," used for the occupants, David's sons (2Sa 8:18).
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 6, 7. Let peace—including prosperity, everywhere prevail.
Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 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. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good. 9. Let me say—house of … God—in wider sense, the Church, whose welfare would be promoted by the good of Jerusalem. |
