United Commentaries

Ps.120.1-134.3

These short, appealing songs were sung during pilgrims’ journeys to Jerusalem for the national festivals three times per year (Deut 16:16). The title of these psalms includes the Hebrew word for stairs, which some take to mean “ascending to Jerusalem.” These psalms (sometimes called the Songs of Ascents) take the reader on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel throughout history.

Ps.122.1-9

Jerusalem is here idealized as the city of God, the city of David, and the city of faith. A group of people on a pilgrimage joyfully arrive in the city (122:1-2). The psalmist sings an ode to Jerusalem (122:3-5) and prays for the city’s peace (122:6-9).

Ps.122.1

The central sanctuary was the house of the Lord. This phrase originally referred to the Tabernacle (Exod 23:19; 34:26).

Ps.122.2

Several psalms celebrate or look forward to being inside the gates of the city (9:14; 87:2; 100:4; 118:19).

Ps.122.3-5

Jerusalem is a metaphor for God’s heavenly dwelling. David was the archetype for God’s chosen rulers.

Ps.122.3

In the time of David and Solomon, Jerusalem was renowned as a place of security (1 Kgs 10:6-7).

Ps.122.4

Each of the people of Israel belonged to one of the tribes, and all of the tribes belonged to the Lord.

To give thanks is to present an offering acceptable to the Lord (50:14, 23; 100:4; 118:19).

as the law requires of Israel: See Exod 23:17; Deut 16:16.

Ps.122.5

the thrones where judgment is given: In the eras of David and Solomon (1 Kgs 3:28), Jerusalem was the home of wisdom and justice; it would be so again (Isa 9:7).

Ps.122.6-9

Prayers for the peace of Jerusalem are motivated by love of family and God’s sanctuary.