Psalm 122 is one of the fifteen “Ascent Psalms”, also
called the “Pilgrim Psalms”. From the title we know that this one was written
by David along with three others. One was written by Solomon and the other ten
have anonymous writers. There are many commentators that believe King Hezekiah
is the person that compiled these particular psalms together to encourage the
Jewish pilgrims in their worship as they came to the City of Jerusalem three
times a year for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles.
First in verses 1-2, we see that true worship comes from
having a heart for God Himself (John 4:23-24). "Let us go" sounds
tame, like an invitation to a tea. "We will go" is the better
translation. Whether this was an invitation to someone living far from
Jerusalem, or to David living in Jerusalem, the statement expressed
determination and dedication. After the tent had been set up and the ark placed
in it, no doubt David frequently went there to worship God, for David's love
for God's house was well-known (27:4; 65:4; 2 Sam. 7:1-3). He rejoiced at an
opportunity to go with other worshipers to praise the Lord. Though he lived in
the holy city, David did not take this privilege for granted, for he had a
heart for God and for God's house. David was a man after God's own heart (1
Sam. 13:14). The pilgrim coming from a distance would not complain about the
journey, for his heart was set on the Lord. Love makes burdens lighter and
distances shorter.
Next in verses 3-5, we need a heart for thanks and praise. The
Lord had told His people that one day there would be a central place where they
would worship (Ex. 23:14-19; Deut. 12:5-7, 11-14, 17-19; 14:23; 16:2, 16), and
that place was Jerusalem. The Lord instructed David that the place on Mount
Moriah where he had built the altar was to be the site for the temple (1 Chron.
21-22). When the psalmist looked at the city, he thought of unity and security.
Just as the stones of the walls and houses were "bound firmly
together," so the people were bound together in their worship of the Lord
and their respect for the throne. But it was
the praise of Jehovah that was central (v. 4). God had commanded that His
people go to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles
(Ex. 23:14-19; John 4:20-21), and the people went as worshipers and not
sightseers.
In verses 6-9, we find that we need a heart for prayer. The
name "Jerusalem" means "foundation of peace," and yet the
city has been a center of conflict for centuries. If we understand biblical
prophecy correctly, there can be no peace in Jerusalem or on earth until the
Prince of Peace reigns on David's throne (Isa. 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-33). So, when
we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are actually praying, "Thy kingdom
come" (Matt. 6:10) and "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).
Jesus wept over the city because they were ignorant of the peace God had for
them (Luke 19:41-48) and had rejected their own Messiah (John 11:47-48).
Our prayers must come from our heart because we love God
and love His people. The "prosperity" mentioned in verse 6 does not
refer to material wealth but primarily to the spiritual enrichment that comes
to those who love God, His Son (born a Jew), His Word (a Jewish book), and His
chosen people. "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). Christian
believers have a debt to Israel for the untold spiritual wealth they have given
us (Rom. 15:25-27). The emphasis here is on the city of God, the chosen people
of God (vv. 6-8), and the house of God (v. 9).
Today, because we are God's people, citizens of the
heavenly country, we must pray for one another and for the ministry of the
churches. We belong to each other, we need each other, and we must help each
other. We must pray for peace within and among the churches. We must pray for
the needs of "our brothers and friends," and surely, we must pray for
the lost. A heart for God will surely be a heart filled with praise and prayer.
God bless!
