Psalms 122:5

KJV

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there are set {H3427} thrones {H3678} of judgment {H4941}, the thrones {H3678} of the house {H1004} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For there the thrones of justice were set up, the thrones of the house of David.

Berean Standard Bible

For there the thrones of judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.

American Standard Version

For there are set thrones for judgment, The thrones of the house of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 122:5 articulates a profound truth about Jerusalem's significance, revealing it as the divinely appointed nexus of both spiritual worship and righteous governance for ancient Israel. The verse highlights the convergence of the sacred and the civil, establishing Jerusalem not merely as a pilgrimage destination but as the enduring center for the administration of justice and the perpetual authority of the Davidic monarchy, thereby reflecting God's covenant promises and the ideal of a nation governed by divine law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 122 belongs to the esteemed collection known as the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally chanted by pilgrims journeying "up" to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The psalm opens with an exultant declaration of joy at the prospect of entering Jerusalem's gates, as seen in the heartfelt cry, [I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord](/psalms/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - Joy in going to the house of the Lord"). It then proceeds to celebrate the city as a place of unity, peace, and communal worship, where the tribes of Israel gathered to give thanks to the Lord, as described in [Psalm 122:3-4](/psalms/122-3-4 "Psalm 122:3-4 - Jerusalem, a city built for unity and worship"). Within this overarching context of spiritual celebration and communal gathering, verse 5 introduces a crucial, complementary dimension to Jerusalem's multifaceted significance: its indispensable role as the administrative and judicial capital. This underscores that the city's importance extended far beyond religious festivals, encompassing the very fabric of national identity, order, and well-being.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Jerusalem's ascent to prominence began when King David decisively conquered it from the Jebusites, establishing it as his capital and the seat of his throne, an event chronicled in [2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David captures Jerusalem and makes it his capital"). This strategic move unified the disparate northern and southern tribes under a single administrative and religious center. Culturally, in the ancient Near East, the monarch was not merely a military commander but also the supreme judicial authority, personally responsible for upholding justice and divine law throughout his realm. The phrase "thrones of judgment" vividly points to the royal court, typically located within the palace complex or at the city gates, where legal disputes were adjudicated, and royal decrees were issued. The specific mention of "the house of David" directly refers to the Davidic dynasty, a lineage upon which God bestowed an enduring covenant promise, declaring, [Thy house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"). This divine guarantee cemented Jerusalem's status as the perpetual seat of God's chosen kingly line, infusing its political authority with profound theological weight.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament narrative. It emphatically highlights the theme of **Righteous Governance**, portraying Jerusalem as the preeminent location where legal disputes were settled and justice was administered by the king and his appointed officials. This reflects the divine ideal for a nation governed by God's righteous standards, where equity and law prevail. Furthermore, the verse solidifies **Jerusalem's Significance** as both the spiritual and administrative capital, a unique convergence point where temporal and spiritual authorities intertwined. This centrality was vital to Israel's national identity and well-being, as beautifully expressed in the subsequent call to [Pray for the peace of Jerusalem](/psalms/122-6 "Psalm 122:6 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem"). Lastly, the explicit reference to "the thrones of the house of David" underscores the enduring **Davidic Legacy** and the perpetual covenant God made with David, promising an eternal dynasty, as affirmed in [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's covenant with David and his seed"). This legacy carries immense historical weight and profound messianic implications, foreshadowing the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ, who is destined to reign in perfect righteousness from a future, spiritual Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry." In the passive voice ("are set"), this word conveys a sense of divine establishment and permanence. It implies that these thrones were not merely erected by human will but were fixed, ordained, and enduring, signifying a stable and legitimate system of governance and justice divinely instituted in Jerusalem.
* **Thrones (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** From H3678, meaning "properly, covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied); seat, stool, throne." The plural form, _kisse'ot_, emphasizes not just a single seat of power but the institutional nature and multiple instances of judicial authority. These are not ordinary seats but symbols of royal dignity, power, and the formal, established system of governance from which authoritative judgments and decrees emanated. Their presence in Jerusalem signifies the city's status as the center of royal and judicial power.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, meaning "properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style." This rich term encompasses far more than simple legal decisions. It refers to the administration of God's righteous standards, the upholding of the covenant, the fair resolution of disputes, and the overall moral order of the nation. Judgments rendered from these thrones were intended to reflect divine wisdom, equity, and the pursuit of righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there are set thrones of judgment,"**: This initial clause establishes Jerusalem's foundational role as a center of legal and judicial authority. The passive construction "are set" (or "were set") powerfully suggests a divine ordination or a long-standing, divinely recognized institution. These are not temporary or ad-hoc seats but permanently established "thrones," indicating a stable, legitimate, and enduring system of justice. The explicit purpose of these thrones is "judgment," signifying the administration of law, the impartial resolution of disputes, and the upholding of righteousness within the nation, reflecting God's character.
* **"the thrones of the house of David."**: This second clause precisely specifies the nature and lineage of the judicial authority described. It clarifies that the "thrones of judgment" are intrinsically linked to, and exercised by, the Davidic dynasty. This direct connection ties the administration of justice in Jerusalem to God's covenant with David, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant and Promise"), which promised an enduring kingdom and a perpetual line of successors. It emphasizes that the justice dispensed from Jerusalem was not merely human but was divinely sanctioned through God's chosen royal house, carrying immense political, theological, and even eschatological weight.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 122:5 effectively employs several literary devices to amplify its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "the thrones of the house of David," reiterates and further specifies the meaning of the first clause, "For there are set thrones of judgment." This repetition serves to reinforce the central idea, emphasizing both the judicial function and the specific dynastic authority from which it originates. The phrase "thrones of judgment" also functions as **Metonymy**, where "thrones" represent not just physical seats but the entire system of authority, power, and legal decisions emanating from the royal court. Furthermore, the entire verse contributes significantly to the overarching **Symbolism** of Jerusalem as the divinely ordained center of both spiritual worship (as highlighted in preceding verses) and righteous governance, a sacred space where God's order and justice were intended to be established on earth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the profound theological truth that God is inherently a God of justice, and His divine desire is for His people to be governed with righteousness and equity. The establishment of "thrones of judgment" in Jerusalem, specifically under the authority of "the house of David," reflects the Old Testament ideal of a kingdom where divine law is upheld, fairness prevails, and the vulnerable are protected. It speaks to the crucial convergence of spiritual authority (represented by the Temple, mentioned in earlier verses of the psalm) and temporal governance, both providentially centered in the holy city. This ideal of righteous rule, though often imperfectly realized by fallible human kings, unfailingly points forward to a perfect, divine King who will ultimately establish absolute justice and peace across all creation.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Promise to David")
* [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah")
* [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Thrones of Judgment in the Millennial Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 122:5 invites us to deeply reflect on the fundamental nature of justice and leadership, both within broader society and in the microcosm of our personal lives. Just as ancient Israel looked to Jerusalem as the wellspring of righteous governance, believers today are called to pray fervently for their leaders—those in civil authority, in the church, and in their homes—that they might exercise their God-given authority with profound wisdom, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast commitment to upholding justice and fostering peace within their respective communities, as exhorted in [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for all people, including those in authority"). This verse also serves as a potent reminder that true, unblemished justice originates solely from God and is ultimately embodied in His perfect, sovereign reign. It challenges each of us to actively become agents of justice within our own spheres of influence, advocating passionately for the oppressed, speaking truth to power, and striving to live righteously in a world too often marred by pervasive injustice. Our ultimate hope is anchored in the glorious fulfillment of this verse, when the perfect Son of David, Jesus Christ, will establish His eternal throne of judgment, bringing forth perfect righteousness and everlasting peace to all creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the dual role of Jerusalem as a center for both worship and justice inform your understanding of the integration of faith and public life?**
* **In what concrete ways can you, as an individual believer, actively contribute to the establishment of justice and righteousness in your local community or sphere of influence?**
* **How does the promise of a future, perfectly just reign of Christ under the Son of David profoundly impact your present hope, actions, and prayer life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "thrones of judgment" being "set" in Jerusalem?**

Answer: The phrase "are set" (or "were set," depending on the precise translation nuances of the Hebrew verb _yâshab_) carries profound significance. It implies a divine ordination, a permanent establishment, and an enduring fixture. These thrones of judgment were not temporary or arbitrary human constructs but were divinely appointed and foundational to Jerusalem's unique role as the capital of God's chosen people. This permanence underscores the legitimacy, stability, and divine sanction of the judicial system, rooted deeply in God's overarching plan for His nation. It suggests that justice was intended to be a fixed, central, and unwavering aspect of Israel's national life, emanating directly from its spiritual and political heart, reflecting the unchangeable character of God Himself.

**Why is the mention of "the house of David" specifically important in this verse?**

Answer: The explicit mention of "the house of David" is absolutely crucial because it directly links the judicial authority and the very concept of righteous governance to the Davidic Covenant. This is God's solemn promise to King David that his dynasty and kingdom would endure forever, as powerfully articulated in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Lord's Covenant with David"). This divine covenant transformed David's reign from a mere political dynasty into a divinely sanctioned, perpetual lineage. Therefore, the "thrones of the house of David" represent not just any human kingship, but a divinely chosen and sustained line through which God intended to administer justice and, most significantly, eventually bring forth the Messiah. It imbues these earthly thrones with profound eschatological and messianic significance, pointing forward to a future, perfect Davidic King who would reign in ultimate righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 122:5, with its declaration of "thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David," finds its ultimate, glorious, and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the earthly Davidic kings, despite their divine appointment, often fell tragically short of the ideal of righteous judgment, they served as crucial types and shadows, pointing inexorably to the coming Son of David. The New Testament unequivocally identifies Jesus as the promised heir to David's eternal throne, destined to reign forever, as revealed in the angelic proclamation in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus will reign on David's throne forever"). He is the perfect King, the righteous Judge, and the ultimate embodiment of divine justice, whose reign will be characterized by absolute equity and peace, as prophesied in [Isaiah 11:4-5](/isaiah/11-4-5 "Isaiah 11:4-5 - The Righteous Rule of the Messiah"). The "thrones of judgment" set in historical Jerusalem foreshadow the climactic time when Christ will return in glory to establish His universal kingdom, judging both the living and the dead, a truth affirmed in [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God has appointed a day to judge the world") and [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead"). His future, perfect reign from a new, heavenly Jerusalem will be the culmination of all justice, peace, and righteousness, where every wrong is ultimately made right, and His redeemed people will dwell in perfect fellowship under His eternal and benevolent rule, as envisioned in [Revelation 22:3-5](/revelation/22-3-5 "Revelation 22:3-5 - The Throne of God and the Lamb in the New Jerusalem"). Thus, Psalm 122:5 is not merely a historical observation of ancient Israel's capital but a profound prophetic anticipation of the universal, righteous, and eternal reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

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 17:8

¶ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

2 Chronicles 19:8

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and [of] the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 11:22

And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, [to be] ruler among his brethren: for [he thought] to make him king.

Deuteronomy 17:18

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites:

2 Samuel 8:18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.