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Commentary on Psalms 122 verses 6–9
Here, I. David calls upon others to which well to Jerusalem, Psa 122:6, Psa 122:7. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the welfare of it, for all good to it, particularly for the uniting of the inhabitants among themselves and their preservation from the incursions of enemies. This we may truly desire, that in the peace thereof we may have peace; and this we must earnestly pray for, for it is the gift of God, and for it he will be enquired of. Those that can do nothing else for the peace of Jerusalem can pray for it, which is something more than showing their good-will; it is the appointed way of fetching in mercy. The peace and welfare of the gospel church, particularly in our land, is to be earnestly desired and prayed for by every one of us. Now, 1. We are here encouraged in our prayers for Jerusalem's peace: Those shall prosper that love thee. We must pray for Jerusalem, not out of custom, nor for fashion's sake, but out of a principle of love to God's government of man and man's worship of God; and, in seeking the public welfare, we seek our own, for so well does God love the gates of Zion that he will love all those that do love them, and therefore they cannot but prosper; at least their souls shall prosper by the ordinances they so dearly love. 2. We are here directed in our prayers for it and words are put into our mouths (Psa 122:7): Peace be within thy walls. He teaches us to pray, (1.) For all the inhabitants in general, all within the walls, from the least to the greatest. Peace be in thy fortifications; let them never be attacked, or, if they be, let them never be taken, but be an effectual security to the city. (2.) For the princes and rulers especially: Let prosperity be in the palaces of the great men that sit at the helm and have the direction of public affairs; for, if they prosper, it will be well for the public. The poorer sort are apt to envy the prosperity of the palaces, but they are here taught to pray for it.
II. He resolves that whatever others do he will approve himself a faithful friend to Jerusalem, 1. In his prayers: "I will now say, now I see the tribes so cheerfully resorting hither to the testimony of Israel, and the matter settled, that Jerusalem must be the place where God will record his name, now I will say, Peace be within thee." He did not say, "Let others pray for the public peace, the priests and the prophets, whose business it is, and the people, that have nothing else to do, and I will fight for it and rule for it." No; "I will pray for it too." 2. In his endeavours, with which he will second his prayers: "I will, to the utmost of my power, seek thy good." Whatever lies within the sphere of our activity to do for the public good we must do it, else we are not sincere in praying for it. Now it might be said, No thanks to David to be so solicitous for the welfare of Jerusalem; it was his own city, and the interests of his family were lodged in it. This is true; yet he professes that this was not the reason why he was in such care for the welfare of Jerusalem, but it proceeded from the warm regard he had, (1.) To the communion of saints: It is for my brethren and companions' sakes, that is, for the sake of all true-hearted Israelites, whom I look upon as my brethren (so he called them, Ch1 28:2) and who have often been my companions in the worship of God, which has knit my heart to them. (2.) To the ordinances of God: He had set his affections to the house of his God (Ch1 29:3); he took a great pleasure in public worship, and for that reason would pray for the good of Jerusalem. Then our concern for the public welfare is right when it is the effect of a sincere love to God's institutions and his faithful worshippers.
He at once adds, as unto the seats themselves, "Enquire ye the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem" [Psalm 122:6]. O you seats, who now sit unto judgment, and are made the seats of the Lord who judges (since they who judge, enquire; they who are judged, are enquired of), "Enquire ye," he says, "the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem." What will they find by asking? That some have done deeds of charity, that others have not. Those whom they shall find to have done deeds of charity, they will summon them unto Jerusalem; for these deeds are "for the peace of Jerusalem." Love is a powerful thing, my brethren, love is a powerful thing. Do ye wish to see how powerful a thing love is?...If charity be destitute of means, so that it cannot find what to bestow upon the poor, let it love: let it give "one cup of cold water;" [Matthew 10:42] as much shall be laid to its account, as to Zaccheus who gave half his patrimony to the poor. [Luke 19:8] Wherefore this? The one gave so little, the other so much, and shall so much be imputed to the former? Just so much. For though his resources are unequal, his charity is not unequal.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 122:6, a profound declaration within the "Songs of Ascents," issues a direct divine imperative to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," immediately followed by a profound promise: "they shall prosper that love thee." This succinct yet powerful statement encapsulates the deep spiritual and national significance of Jerusalem for ancient Israel, portraying it not merely as a geographical location but as the spiritual heart of God's covenant people. The verse highlights the transformative power of intercessory prayer and the reciprocal blessing that accompanies alignment with God's divine purposes for His chosen city, emphasizing that the well-being of the city and its lovers are intrinsically linked.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 122 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally recited or sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles). Attributed to King David, this psalm vividly captures the profound joy, communal spirit, and anticipation experienced upon arriving at the holy city. It commences with an exuberant expression of delight at the invitation to go to the house of the Lord, declaring, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD" Psalm 122:1. The psalm then proceeds to describe Jerusalem's unique structure as a unified city, its role as the center of justice where the "thrones of judgment" were established for the house of David Psalm 122:5, and its function as the gathering place where the tribes of Israel assembled for worship and to give thanks to the Name of the Lord. Within this celebratory and reverential context, verse 6 marks a pivotal shift from descriptive praise to a direct, intercessory command, inviting the pilgrim to actively participate in the city's well-being through fervent prayer.
Historical & Cultural Context: Jerusalem, often revered as Zion, held unparalleled significance in ancient Israel. It was the political capital established by King David, who captured it from the Jebusites and made it his stronghold 2 Samuel 5:6-9. Subsequently, it became the spiritual center housing the magnificent Temple built by King Solomon 1 Kings 6, serving as the designated dwelling place for God's Name among His people Deuteronomy 12:5. Pilgrimages to Jerusalem were not merely cultural traditions but were mandated by Mosaic Law for all Israelite males, fostering a deep communal identity and an unbreakable spiritual connection to the city. Culturally, Jerusalem symbolized the stability, justice, and divine presence essential for the nation's well-being. To pray for Jerusalem's peace, therefore, was to pray for the peace and prosperity of the entire nation, the integrity of its worship, the righteous administration of justice, and the fulfillment of God's enduring covenant promises to David and his royal lineage.
Key Themes: Psalm 122:6 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to Israelite theology. Firstly, it underscores The Centrality of Jerusalem, not merely as a physical city but as the heart of God's redemptive plan and the embodiment of His covenant with Israel. Its welfare was inextricably linked to the nation's spiritual and physical health, as seen in passages like Psalm 132:13-14, where God chooses Zion as His dwelling place and promises His blessing. Secondly, the verse highlights The Power of Intercessory Prayer, presenting it as an active and impactful means of seeking divine intervention and blessing. The direct command "Pray" emphasizes the believer's indispensable role in God's unfolding purposes. Thirdly, it introduces the profound concept of Holistic Peace (Shalom). The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) extends far beyond the modern English understanding of the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony in all aspects of life. To pray for Jerusalem's shalom is to pray for its total flourishing—spiritually, socially, and physically. Finally, the verse reveals the theme of Divine Prosperity, promising that "they shall prosper that love thee." This links the act of loving and praying for Jerusalem directly to a personal blessing, echoing God's earlier covenant promise to Abraham to bless those who bless His chosen people and curse those who curse them Genesis 12:3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 122:6 masterfully employs Wordplay (paronomasia) to underscore its central message. The Hebrew word for "peace," shalom (שָׁלוֹם), is directly echoed in the promise "they shall prosper," which comes from the root shalah (שָׁלָה), meaning "to be at ease, tranquil, or secure." This linguistic connection highlights that those who seek the comprehensive well-being (shalom) of Jerusalem will themselves experience a state of security and flourishing (shalah). The verse also functions as a powerful Imperative ("Pray") followed by a Promise, a common biblical structure that links obedience to divine blessing. This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship, motivating the audience to engage in intercessory prayer. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of Parallelism, where the action of praying for Jerusalem's peace is directly and reciprocally linked to the personal prosperity of the one who prays, creating a harmonious and reinforcing message that emphasizes divine reciprocity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 122:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the interconnectedness of divine purpose, human intercession, and reciprocal blessing. It reveals that God's plan for His chosen city, Jerusalem, is not independent of the prayers of His people. The command to pray for Jerusalem's shalom underscores the belief that prayer is a vital means through which believers participate in God's ongoing work in the world. The promise of prosperity for those who love Jerusalem reinforces the principle that aligning one's heart and actions with God's affections and purposes brings spiritual, and often tangible, blessings. This prosperity is not merely material gain but a holistic flourishing, a deep sense of security and well-being that stems from being in harmony with the divine will. The verse thus encourages a posture of active, empathetic engagement with God's global purposes, recognizing that genuine love for His kingdom and His people yields abundant fruit in one's own life.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 122:6 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, extending beyond the literal city of Jerusalem to encompass a broader call to intercessory prayer and alignment with God's heart. It reminds us that our prayers for significant places, communities, and nations, particularly those where God's purposes are unfolding or where His people reside, are not only heard but are also instrumental in bringing about His will. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of active concern for the well-being of others, understanding that our spiritual prosperity is often tied to our generosity in prayer and our commitment to seeking shalom for the world around us. The "prosperity" promised is not a guarantee of material wealth, but a deeper, more profound sense of spiritual peace, security, and flourishing that comes from living in harmony with God's desires and participating in His redemptive work. It challenges us to reflect on what "Jerusalem" represents in our own lives—whether it's our local church, our city, our nation, or specific global concerns—and to commit to praying for its holistic peace with unwavering faith, knowing that such prayer aligns us with God's heart and brings His blessing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse only apply to the physical city of Jerusalem today?
Answer: While Psalm 122:6 was originally addressed to ancient Israelite pilgrims praying for the literal city of Jerusalem, its principles extend to believers today. Jerusalem remains significant in biblical prophecy and God's ongoing plans. However, the verse also carries broader spiritual application. "Jerusalem" can represent the Church (the spiritual Israel), our local communities, our nations, and any place where God's people reside or His kingdom is being advanced. The call to "pray for the peace" (or shalom) is a universal command to seek the holistic well-being, justice, and spiritual flourishing of all places and people, especially those connected to God's redemptive purposes. This aligns with New Testament commands to pray for all people and for those in authority, that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity 1 Timothy 2:1-2, and to seek the peace of the city where God has placed us, for in its peace we will find our peace Jeremiah 29:7.
What does "peace" (shalom) truly mean in this context?
Answer: The Hebrew word for "peace" is shalom (שָׁלוֹם), which is far more comprehensive than the English definition of absence of conflict. Shalom encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, prosperity, security, harmony, and flourishing in every aspect of life—spiritual, physical, social, and material. When the psalmist calls to "Pray for the shalom of Jerusalem," he is asking for the city to experience total flourishing: internal unity, divine protection, righteous governance, spiritual vitality, and general prosperity for its inhabitants. It's a prayer for the city to be fully aligned with God's design and to experience His comprehensive blessing. This holistic understanding of shalom is central to biblical theology and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is our peace and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility Ephesians 2:14.
How does the promise "they shall prosper that love thee" relate to modern believers?
Answer: The promise of "prospering" for those who love Jerusalem is not a guarantee of material wealth, but rather a profound spiritual and holistic well-being. The Hebrew word for "prosper" (שָׁלָה, shâlâh) is closely related to shalom, implying a reciprocal experience of tranquility, security, and flourishing. For modern believers, this means that when we align our hearts with God's purposes, express genuine love for His kingdom, and faithfully intercede for the well-being of His people and His work in the world, we ourselves will experience a deep sense of peace, security, and spiritual flourishing. This "prosperity" is found in a life lived in harmony with God's will, marked by His favor and presence, rather than necessarily by worldly riches. It reflects the principle that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35 and that seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness brings all other things into their proper place Matthew 6:33.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 122:6, with its fervent call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and its promise of prosperity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While historically referring to the earthly city, Jerusalem, in its prophetic trajectory, points to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem, lamenting its rejection of the very peace Luke 19:41-42 He offered. He is the true source of shalom, our peace, who has broken down dividing walls and reconciled humanity to God and to one another through His cross Ephesians 2:14-16. The "peace of Jerusalem" is ultimately realized in the spiritual reality of the Church, which is described as the "Jerusalem above" Galatians 4:26 and the "heavenly Jerusalem" to which believers have come, along with countless angels and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven Hebrews 12:22-24. To "love Jerusalem" in a Christ-centered sense means to love God's redemptive plan, to participate in the building of His kingdom, and to pray for the consummation of His reign when the New Jerusalem, the bride, descends from heaven, adorned for her husband Revelation 21:2, bringing everlasting shalom to all who dwell within it. The prosperity promised is the blessedness of those who are found in Christ, heirs of His eternal peace and co-laborers in His mission, receiving the abundance of His grace and the fullness of life in Him John 10:10.