Psalm 122 – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, a site of controversy and violence, a place of contradiction. Jerusalem, the city of David, is sacred to three different religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. What might we learn about Jerusalem from Psalm 122 – Jerusalem?
Psalm 122
Psalm 122 is a song of ascents, attributed to David. Pilgrims rejoice on their way to Jerusalem.
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.” (1-2)
The psalmist then goes on to describe the city.
“Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.” (3)
Jerusalem at that time was not large like it is today. But it wasn’t a random collection of tents and shacks. It was a true city, built in an orderly fashion.
“During David’s reign and for some time thereafter, Jerusalem was a small city located on the crest of Mount Zion and Mount Moriah, bounded on two sides by steep descents to the Kidron and Tyropaeon valleys, and thus no more than half a mile in breadth. It had a dramatic setting for one approaching it from a distance, and its tight structure would have impressed anyone observing it.” (Boice) Psalm 122 – Enduring Word
A Place to Worship the Lord
The tribes of Israel went to Jerusalem to worship God.
“That is where the tribes go up—the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel.”
There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.” (4-5)
The main courts for judgement resided in Jerusalem at that time. These seats may have been visible at the city gates. (Ruth 4:1-12, Mt. 19:28) “As the seat of government for Israel, Jerusalem was where their main courts for judgment were established. Jerusalem was to be a city of justice, where good was honored and where evil was corrected.” Psalm 122 – Enduring Word
David ends the psalm with an exhortation to the people to pray for peace for Jerusalem. “Jerusalem’s name itself marks it as the city of peace (Hebrews 7:2), but in reality it has known much war and conflict, which continue to this day. It is good to pray for the often-elusive peace of Jerusalem.” Psalm 122 – Enduring Word
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” (6-9)
One City, Three Faiths
Karen Armstrong, in her book, Jerusalem – One City, Three Faiths, gives an in-depth analysis of the history of the city and the bloodshed that continues to be part of that history. How sad that a city that is important to three faiths remains a site for conflict and violence. Certainly, this is not the city of peace that David prays for in Psalm 122. Rather than being a place of peace where people of different faiths and the different tribes of Israel gather it is a hot bed for political power plays and battles. (For more on this book, see Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths – Patricia M Robertson)
Pilgrims came to Jerusalem rejoicing, not because of any political or national affiliation but because they were going to the house of the Lord. “David understood that the gladness and goodness of the pilgrim toward God’s city was not primarily political in nature. It wasn’t because of loyalty to a political party, leader, or philosophy. It was because the house of the LORD was established there.” Psalm 122 – Enduring Word
As stated in verse 4, this is where the diverse tribes of Israel come to worship.
“Note that Israel was one people, but yet it was in a sense divided by the mere surface distinction of tribes; and this may be a lesson to us that all Christendom is essentially one, though from various causes we are divided into tribes. Let us as much as possible sink the tribal individuality in the national unity, so that the church may be many waves, but one sea; many branches, but one tree; many members, but one body.” (Spurgeon) Psalm 122 – Enduring Word
Psalm 122 – Jerusalem
Jesus wept over Jerusalem, saying, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you.” (Matthew 23:37a) Jesus had good reason to weep back then, and more reasons to weep today. Jerusalem continues to be a place torn apart by wars and conflicts.
Pilgrams rejoice in Psalm 122 – Jerusalem, because they are going to the house of the Lord. If only this city of three faiths under one God, might show us the way to peace. If only the people could live together respecting the beliefs of each faith, like the diverse tribes during David’s time. Then it truly would live up to its name being a seat for justice and a city of peace. That would be a reason to rejoice!
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 122: Going on a Pilgrimage – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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