(NIV) Psalm 122
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
2 Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.
4 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.
5 There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. ”
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.
What a great psalm! There was much rejoicing as all of the tribes joined together to go up to the house of the Lord during the holy festivals. And why were they going to Jerusalem? To praise God! And beyond the journey to that city was David’s encouragement to others to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
We know the Temple had not yet been built, but David understood the spiritual aspect of Jerusalem. David also had a unique perspective regarding Jerusalem. There had been hard fought wars to gain control of that city, and sometimes peace seemed just outside of the reach of those who lived there. But peace is never so precious as it is to those who have long lived without it.
So, David issued an exhortation to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And in the 21st century we continue to lift up prayers to God for peace for His holy city. May we be ever faithful to remember Jerusalem before God as Israel stands on the precipice of yet another threat to her existence.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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