Biblical Commentary:What does Psalm chapter 122 mean?
Chapter Context
Psalms 120—134 seem to have been used when Israelites traveled to Mount Zion for required festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). David had captured a mountain fortress (2 Samuel 5:7), Zion, which became his capitol city and the site of Jerusalem. This was later called the "city of David" (1 Kings 8:1). Since going to Jerusalem literally meant climbing to a higher elevation, this block of psalms are called songs "of ascents." Psalm 122 honors Jerusalem and prays for its peace and safety.
What does Psalm chapter 122 mean?
Fifteen psalms (Psalms 120—134) are labeled "of ascents," or "of degrees." Traveling to Jerusalem for required feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16), Israelites would need to climb—literally "ascend"—towards Mount Zion (2 Samuel 5:7) where Jerusalem was located (1 Kings 8:1). This song is also marked "of David." Not all psalms with this description were necessarily David's personal work—some are written in his style or with his perspective of faith (Psalm 86:1). This text offers no clear indications either way.
The song begins with joy at the idea of going to the temple for worship. The "house of the
Lord" was constructed in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:1). For those making a pilgrimage, crossing through the gates of the city would have been a joyful milestone (Psalm 122:1–2).
Jerusalem was established as David's capitol when he took the fortress of Zion from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:7). The city he founded grew on and around that location (1 Kings 8:1). Once the temple was built, Israelites of all the twelve tribes were to come there to honor the Lord. Rulers of the nation were from the lineage of David (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 2:11–12), of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). The city was the center of both Israel's spiritual and government authority (Psalm 122:3–5).
As someone who loved the city, and what it represented, the psalmist prays for its protection and stability. This extends to those who live within the walls. It also applies to those who likewise love Jerusalem; this suggests all those who have faith in the Lord God. The prayer is sincere, and there were times when Jerusalem experienced peace. Unfortunately, for most of history, the city's leaders have turned away from God and the results (1 Kings 12:16–17; 2 Chronicles 36:17–20; Matthew 24:1–2) have been tragic (Psalm 122:6–9).
