Psalms 122:2

KJV

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Our feet {H7272} shall stand {H5975} within thy gates {H8179}, O Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Our feet were already standing at your gates, Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Our feet are standing Within thy gates, O Jerusalem,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 122:2 captures the profound joy and relief of pilgrims who have completed their arduous journey to Jerusalem, finally standing securely within its gates. This verse encapsulates the culmination of spiritual longing, signifying not only a physical arrival but also a deep sense of belonging, security, and the anticipation of worship in God's chosen city, the heart of Israelite faith and communal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 122 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a unique collection of hymns likely sung by Jewish pilgrims as they "ascended" to Jerusalem for the three annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). These psalms collectively narrate the pilgrim's journey, from the distress of exile and the dangers of the road to the joy of arrival and the peace found in God's presence. Psalm 122 specifically serves as a celebratory song of arrival, following psalms that might express longing or reliance on God for protection on the journey (e.g., [Psalm 121](/psalms/121 "Psalm 121 - The Lord Our Keeper")). It sets the stage for the prayers for Jerusalem's peace and prosperity that follow in the latter half of the psalm, reflecting the deep spiritual and communal significance of the holy city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jerusalem was not merely a city but the religious, political, and cultural heart of Israel. It was the site of the Temple, where God's presence was believed to dwell, and the destination for all faithful Israelites during the major annual festivals mandated by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Festivals")). The journey to Jerusalem could be long and perilous, making the arrival a moment of immense relief and spiritual triumph. The "gates" of an ancient city like Jerusalem were far more than simple entry points; they were vital centers of civic life, commerce, justice, and social interaction. To stand "within thy gates" meant being welcomed into the community, afforded its protection, and gaining access to its sacred spaces and communal life, a significant comfort and blessing for weary travelers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **joy of communal worship and pilgrimage**, a recurring motif in the Songs of Ascents and other psalms that express delight in God's house (e.g., [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - Longing for God's Courts")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **security and belonging** found in God's chosen dwelling place; the gates symbolize protection and inclusion, contrasting with the dangers of the journey. Thirdly, it speaks to the **spiritual significance of Jerusalem** as the center of God's presence and the place where His people could draw near to Him for worship and covenant renewal. Finally, the collective "Our feet" emphasizes **communal unity and solidarity** among believers, reflecting the shared journey of faith and the importance of gathering together as God's people. This theme of unity is further developed later in the psalm, particularly in [Psalms 122:3-4](/psalms/122-3 "Psalms 122:3-4 - Jerusalem, a City United").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stand (Hebrew, _'amad'_):** The Hebrew verb עָמַד (_'amad'_) signifies a firm, stable, and enduring presence, not merely a fleeting visit. It implies having taken one's rightful place, being established and secure. For the pilgrims, it meant the successful completion of their journey and a confident, settled presence in the holy city, ready to engage in worship and fellowship. This is a posture of readiness and belonging, a stark contrast to the weary journey.
* **Gates (Hebrew, _sha'ar'_):** The Hebrew word שַׁעַר (_sha'ar_) refers to the city gates, which in ancient Near Eastern cities were crucial architectural features. As mentioned in the context, they were not just defensive structures but served as the primary nexus for legal proceedings, commercial transactions, public announcements, and social gatherings. To be "within thy gates" therefore meant full integration into the city's life, enjoying its protection, its justice, and its community, symbolizing welcome and security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Our feet":** This plural possessive emphasizes the collective nature of the pilgrimage. It highlights the shared experience of the journey and the communal joy of arrival. The pilgrims traveled together, supported one another, and now together they stand in the holy city, reinforcing the theme of unity among God's people.
* **"shall stand":** The use of the future tense "shall stand" (or perfect tense with future implication) conveys a sense of certainty and accomplished purpose. It is the anticipated, longed-for culmination of their journey. The firm posture of "standing" suggests stability, security, and a settled presence after the arduous ascent.
* **"within thy gates":** This phrase denotes the physical boundary crossed, signifying arrival and entry into the city. More profoundly, it symbolizes a transition from the dangers and weariness of the outside world to the safety, welcome, and spiritual significance found inside Jerusalem. It implies full inclusion and access to all that the city, especially the Temple, offers.
* **"O Jerusalem":** This direct address personifies the city, imbuing it with a living presence and making the expression of joy and belonging deeply personal. It reflects the pilgrims' profound affection and reverence for Jerusalem, recognizing it as God's chosen dwelling place and the heart of their national and spiritual identity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Personification** is evident in the direct address, "O Jerusalem," which treats the city as a living entity capable of being addressed, conveying the deep emotional connection pilgrims felt towards it. The phrase "within thy gates" uses **metonymy**, where "gates" stand in for the entire city, symbolizing its security, welcome, and the full range of civic and religious life found within its walls. There is also strong **imagery** at play, painting a vivid picture of weary travelers finally finding their secure footing inside the beloved city, evoking feelings of relief, joy, and belonging. Furthermore, the verse embodies a sense of **anticipation and fulfillment**, where the long-awaited arrival brings to fruition the hopes and prayers of the journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the theological longing for God's presence and the security found within His covenant community. For the Israelite pilgrim, standing within Jerusalem's gates was a tangible experience of drawing near to God's dwelling place, a physical manifestation of their spiritual desire for fellowship with the Almighty. It speaks to the universal human yearning for a secure home, a place of belonging, and the ultimate peace that comes from being in God's presence. The joy of arrival in Jerusalem foreshadows the greater joy of entering God's eternal presence, whether in corporate worship, personal devotion, or the ultimate hope of dwelling with Him forever. It reminds believers that true security and belonging are found not in transient earthly structures, but in the enduring reality of God's covenant and His people.

* [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - A Day in Your Courts")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 122:2 offers timeless spiritual insights for believers today. Just as ancient pilgrims yearned for Jerusalem, we are called to cultivate a deep longing for God's presence, whether in the gathering of the saints for corporate worship, in our personal times of devotion, or in the ultimate hope of dwelling with Him eternally. This verse encourages us to approach spiritual gatherings with eager anticipation and gratitude, recognizing the profound blessing of being in God's house and among His people. It reminds us that our spiritual journey, though sometimes arduous, culminates in a secure and joyful standing in Christ, granting us peace and belonging. The communal "Our feet" also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the church, the body of Christ, as a place of shared faith, mutual encouragement, and unified worship, where we stand together in the spiritual gates of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the anticipation of standing within Jerusalem's gates resonate with your own longing for God's presence in worship or in your daily life?**
* **What does "standing within God's gates" mean for believers today, in light of our spiritual reality in Christ?**
* **How does the communal aspect ("Our feet") of this verse inform your understanding of the importance of the church and Christian fellowship?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater sense of joy and security in your spiritual journey, mirroring the pilgrim's arrival in Jerusalem?**

### FAQ

**What is a "Song of Ascents," and why was it significant for the pilgrims?**

Answer: A "Song of Ascents" refers to one of the fifteen psalms (Psalms 120-134) that bear this superscription. They are believed to have been sung by Jewish pilgrims as they "ascended" or traveled "up" to Jerusalem for the three annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). The journey to Jerusalem was often arduous, physically and spiritually, and these songs captured the range of emotions—from distress and longing to joy and gratitude—associated with the pilgrimage. They provided a liturgical framework for the journey, deepening the spiritual experience of drawing near to God's dwelling place. The "ascent" also carried a spiritual meaning, symbolizing the lifting of one's heart towards God and His holy city, as seen in the call to worship in [Psalm 122:1](/psalms/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - I Was Glad").

**Why were the "gates" so important in ancient cities like Jerusalem?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, city gates were far more than simple entryways. They were multi-functional centers crucial to the life of the city. Strategically, they were the primary defensive points. Socially, they served as gathering places for public discourse, news, and social interaction. Economically, they were hubs for commerce and trade. Legally, the city elders and judges often sat at the gates to administer justice and resolve disputes, as seen in passages like [Ruth 4:1](/ruth/4-1 "Ruth 4:1 - Boaz at the City Gate") and [Proverbs 31:23](/proverbs/31-23 "Proverbs 31:23 - Her Husband is Known in the Gates"). Therefore, to stand "within thy gates" symbolized not only physical entry but also full inclusion in the city's protection, its community, and its civic and religious life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 122:2 speaks of the physical city of Jerusalem, its spiritual longing finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ is the true "gate" through whom we enter into God's presence and find eternal security and belonging. As Jesus declared, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate")). The peace, security, and unity that pilgrims sought in earthly Jerusalem are now fully realized in Christ, who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility and made us one new humanity, granting us access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace and Access to God")). Through Him, believers are no longer strangers and aliens but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), built into a spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit. The longing for Jerusalem's gates ultimately points to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, which descends from God, where God Himself will dwell with His people, and there will be no need for a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")). Thus, the joy of standing within Jerusalem's gates is a beautiful foreshadowing of the eternal joy and secure dwelling we have in Christ and with Christ in the new heavens and new earth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

Psalms 84:7

They go from strength to strength, [every one of them] in Zion appeareth before God.

Exodus 20:24

An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

2 Chronicles 6:6

But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

Psalms 87:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation [is] in the holy mountains.

Psalms 87:3

Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.