Psalms 122:4

KJV

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whither {H8033} the tribes {H7626} go up {H5927}, the tribes {H7626} of the LORD {H3050}, unto the testimony {H5715} of Israel {H3478}, to give thanks {H3034} unto the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tribes have gone up there, the tribes of ADONAI, as a witness to Isra'el, to give thanks to the name of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Whither the tribes go up, even the tribes of Jehovah, Foran ordinance for Israel, To give thanks unto the name of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 122:4 captures the profound spiritual purpose of the ancient Israelite pilgrimages to Jerusalem. It vividly portrays the unified ascent of God's chosen people, the tribes of the LORD, to the holy city, not merely as a geographical journey but as a divinely mandated act of worship. Their destination, Jerusalem, is identified as the place of "the testimony of Israel," signifying the epicenter of God's covenant revelation and presence. The ultimate aim of these sacred gatherings was to express corporate gratitude and adoration "unto the name of the LORD," acknowledging His character, faithfulness, and redemptive acts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 122 is part of the collection known as the "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), psalms traditionally sung by pilgrims as they journeyed "up" to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals. This particular psalm, often attributed to David, stands out as a joyful expression of love and longing for Jerusalem, the "city of peace." Following the initial excitement of the journey and arrival in verse 2, and the description of Jerusalem's unity in verse 3, verse 4 delves into the *reason* for the pilgrimage, explaining the divine mandate and spiritual purpose behind the tribal gatherings. It sets the stage for the subsequent prayers for Jerusalem's peace and prosperity in the psalm's latter half.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, the pilgrimage to Jerusalem was a central and recurring event in their religious calendar, mandated by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Festivals")). All Israelite males were required to appear before the LORD at the central sanctuary—first the Tabernacle, then the Temple in Jerusalem—for the feasts of Unleavened Bread (Passover), Weeks (Pentecost), and Booths (Tabernacles). These journeys served multiple purposes: they reinforced national identity and unity among the geographically dispersed tribes, fostered a shared spiritual experience, and provided a regular opportunity for corporate worship and covenant renewal. Jerusalem, as the political capital and the location of the Temple housing the Ark of the Covenant, was the sacred focal point of their faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights the theme of **pilgrimage and corporate worship**, emphasizing the communal aspect of approaching God's presence, as seen in the gatherings described in [Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Feasts"). The phrase "unto the testimony of Israel" underscores the **centrality of God's revealed word and covenant**, which was embodied in the Law and symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant within the Temple, serving as the very foundation of Israel's relationship with God (e.g., [Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - The Testimony in the Ark")). Furthermore, the ultimate purpose "to give thanks unto the name of the LORD" points to the fundamental importance of **gratitude and praise** as core expressions of worship, acknowledging God's character and mighty acts (e.g., [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving")). Finally, the gathering of "the tribes of the LORD" powerfully illustrates the theme of **unity among God's people**, bound together by a common faith and shared covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tribes (Hebrew, _shvatim'_):** This term refers to the twelve tribal divisions of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sons. Its use here emphasizes the national, unified, and comprehensive nature of the pilgrimage. It signifies that the journey to Jerusalem was not a private or individual act but a collective, covenantal obligation involving the entire nation, reinforcing their shared identity as "the tribes of the LORD," a people belonging exclusively to Him.
* **Testimony (Hebrew, עֵדוּת, _‘edut'_):** In this context, "testimony" refers primarily to God's divine ordinances, laws, and covenant instructions, particularly the tablets of the Law housed within the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, and by extension the Temple in Jerusalem, was the physical embodiment of God's covenant with Israel and the place where His revealed will (His "testimony") resided. Going "unto the testimony of Israel" meant approaching the very heart of God's self-revelation and the foundational principles of their national existence.
* **Name of the LORD (Hebrew, שֵׁם יְהוָה, _shem YHWH'_):** This phrase is much more than a mere label; it encapsulates the entirety of God's revealed character, His attributes, His authority, and His covenant faithfulness. To give thanks "unto the name of the LORD" means to express gratitude and praise for who God is in His essence, for His mighty acts throughout history (especially His deliverance and provision for Israel), and for His unchanging commitment to His covenant people. It is an act of acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whither the tribes go up":** This opening clause immediately establishes the direction and nature of the movement—an ascent, both literal (Jerusalem is elevated) and spiritual. "The tribes" highlights the collective, national pilgrimage, emphasizing that this was a unified act of the entire covenant community, not just individuals.
* **"the tribes of the LORD":** This appositional phrase clarifies the identity of the tribes, designating them as belonging to Yahweh. It underscores their covenant relationship with God, distinguishing them as His chosen people and highlighting the divine mandate behind their ascent. Their pilgrimage is an act of obedience and devotion to their sovereign God.
* **"unto the testimony of Israel":** This specifies the spiritual destination and purpose of the ascent. It points to Jerusalem as the place where God's covenant truth and revealed will (His "testimony," primarily the Law) were enshrined and made accessible. It signifies approaching the very heart of God's relationship with His people, where His presence was uniquely manifested in the Temple.
* **"to give thanks unto the name of the LORD":** This final clause articulates the ultimate goal and motivation for the pilgrimage. The act of "giving thanks" (לְהוֹדוֹת, _lehodot_) is a fundamental expression of worship, acknowledging God's character, His faithfulness, and His redemptive acts. It signifies a joyful and heartfelt response to God's goodness, offered corporately in the presence of His revealed truth.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 122:4 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of "the tribes" and the complementary phrases that describe their destination and purpose, creating a rhythmic and emphatic flow. This structure reinforces the idea of a unified movement with a singular, divinely ordained objective. The phrase "the testimony of Israel" functions as **symbolism**, where "testimony" stands for the entire covenant relationship, God's revealed Law, and His presence in the Temple. It is a powerful symbol of the spiritual heart of the nation. Furthermore, the entire verse is imbued with **imagery** of ascent and gathering, evoking a vivid picture of pilgrims joyfully making their way to the holy city, underscoring the communal and celebratory nature of their worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 122:4 offers a rich theological tapestry, connecting the ancient Israelite pilgrimage to enduring truths about God and His people. It underscores that true worship is communal, purposeful, and rooted in gratitude for God's revealed character and covenant faithfulness. The ascent to Jerusalem, the place of God's "testimony," highlights the indispensable role of divine revelation in guiding and shaping the worship of His people. This pilgrimage was a tangible expression of Israel's identity as God's chosen nation, united by His covenant and called to live in grateful response to His goodness. The verse thus serves as a timeless reminder that gathering in God's presence, centered on His truth, is foundational to the life of faith and an essential means of expressing our thanks to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - The Command for Pilgrimage")
* [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Entering His Gates with Thanksgiving")
* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake the Assembly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical pilgrimage to Jerusalem is no longer a requirement for believers today, the spiritual principles embedded in Psalm 122:4 remain profoundly relevant for the Christian life. We are called to prioritize corporate worship, recognizing that gathering with fellow believers is not merely an option but a vital expression of our faith and a powerful demonstration of the unity of the body of Christ. Just as the tribes went up to the "testimony of Israel," we are to continually draw near to God's revealed truth, found preeminently in His Holy Word and fully embodied in Jesus Christ. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be characterized by a deep and abiding spirit of thanksgiving for God's salvation, His unwavering faithfulness, and His boundless grace. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality of our spiritual journey, ensuring that our gatherings are purposeful, centered on God's truth, and overflowing with genuine gratitude for His glorious name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "going up" to God's presence inform your approach to worship, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek out and engage with "the testimony of Israel"—God's revealed Word—in your daily life?**
* **What specific aspects of "the name of the LORD" are you most thankful for right now, and how can you express that gratitude more fully?**
* **How can you contribute to fostering greater unity and thanksgiving among "the tribes of the LORD" (fellow believers) in your local community?**

### FAQ
**What is "the testimony of Israel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The testimony of Israel" refers primarily to God's divine ordinances, laws, and covenant instructions given to Israel through Moses. It specifically points to the tablets of the Law, often called "the testimony," which were housed within the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, in turn, was located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. Therefore, going "unto the testimony of Israel" meant going to the place where God's revealed will and covenant presence resided, the spiritual heart of the nation where God met with His people and made His truth known. It represents the foundation of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, as seen in passages like [Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - The Testimony in the Ark").

**Why was giving thanks "unto the name of the LORD" so important for the pilgrims?**

Answer: Giving thanks "unto the name of the LORD" was the ultimate purpose of the pilgrimage because "the name of the LORD" encapsulates God's entire being, His character, His attributes, His authority, and His covenant faithfulness. It's not just a label but represents who God is in all His majesty and power. For the Israelites, expressing thanks to His name was an acknowledgment of His mighty acts of deliverance (like the Exodus), His provision, His unwavering love, and His commitment to His covenant. It was a joyful, corporate response of adoration and gratitude for His identity and all He had done for His people, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 105:1](/psalms/105-1 "Psalm 105:1 - Give Thanks to the LORD").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 122:4, with its depiction of the tribes ascending to Jerusalem to give thanks at the testimony of the LORD, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and living "Testimony" of God, for in Him, God's character, will, and covenant faithfulness are perfectly revealed (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Just as the Temple in Jerusalem housed the Ark and the Law, Jesus declared Himself to be the new Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), the place where God's presence fully dwells among humanity. The pilgrimage of the tribes foreshadows the gathering of all nations—the new "tribes" from every tongue, tribe, people, and nation—who are drawn to Christ, the Lamb of God, through His atoning sacrifice (cf. [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). Our "ascent" today is not to a physical city, but a spiritual one, as we approach God the Father through Christ, who is our High Priest and the Way, the Truth, and the Life (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") and [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, we offer our spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving "unto the name of the LORD," acknowledging His supreme Lordship and the salvation He has accomplished, fulfilling the very purpose of the ancient pilgrimages in a new and eternal covenant.

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

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Psalms 132:13

For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.

Psalms 66:13

¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

Psalms 66:16

Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Exodus 23:17

Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

Psalms 107:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 107:3

And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.