The Lord Will

Psalms

Psalm 122

KJV

1

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

2

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

3

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

4

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

5

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

7

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

8

For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

9

Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.

Overview

Psalm 122 is a Song of Ascents celebrating arrival in Jerusalem, the gathered tribes, the city's role in worship and judgment, and a closing prayer for peace and well-being.

Setting and context

The psalm belongs to the Songs of Ascents and imagines pilgrims rejoicing at Jerusalem's gates. Its language about Jerusalem, tribes, thrones, peace, and prosperity belongs first to the worship and civic world of ancient Israel and should not be converted automatically into claims about modern borders, governments, or military policy.

Themes

Joyful pilgrimage · Jerusalem and gathered worship · Justice and public order · Prayer for peace · Seeking the good of community

Key passages

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Questions readers ask

What kind of psalm is Psalm 122? It is one of the Songs of Ascents, associated with pilgrimage and worship in Jerusalem. Does Psalm 122 settle modern political claims about Jerusalem? No. Its ancient theological and civic language should not be treated as a standalone modern legal or territorial settlement.