Psalms 122:6

KJV

¶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Pray {H7592} for the peace {H7965} of Jerusalem {H3389}: they shall prosper {H7951} that love {H157} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pray for shalom in Yerushalayim; may those who love you prosper.

Berean Standard Bible

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.

American Standard Version

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - Joyful Ascent to Jerusalem"). 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](/psalms/122-5 "Psalm 122:5 - Thrones of Judgment in Jerusalem"), 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](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Captures Jerusalem and Makes it Capital"). Subsequently, it became the spiritual center housing the magnificent Temple built by King Solomon [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"), serving as the designated dwelling place for God's Name among His people [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place for His Name"). 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](/psalms/132-13-14 "Psalm 132:13-14 - God's Choice of Zion as His Dwelling Place"), 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](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Pray (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁאֵל (*shâʼal*) is a primitive root meaning "to inquire," and by implication, "to request," "to beg," or "to demand." In this context, it carries the sense of earnestly asking or interceding. The imperative form here, "Pray," is a direct command, emphasizing the active and intentional nature of seeking God's favor and intervention. It is not a passive wish but an engaged, fervent petition for the well-being of Jerusalem.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (*shâlôwm*) is derived from the root *shâlam*, meaning "to be complete" or "to be sound." Thus, *shâlôwm* signifies far more than the mere absence of conflict; it denotes completeness, wholeness, well-being, health, prosperity, safety, security, harmony, and flourishing in all dimensions of life—physical, spiritual, social, and material. To pray for the *shâlôwm* of Jerusalem is to pray for its comprehensive well-being, its internal harmony, its security from external threats, and its spiritual integrity as the city of God.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _shâlâh'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלָה (*shâlâh*) is a primitive root meaning "to be tranquil," "to be secure," or "to be successful." It speaks of a state of undisturbed well-being, quietness, and flourishing. The promise "they shall prosper that love thee" suggests that those who actively desire and contribute to Jerusalem's holistic well-being will themselves experience a parallel state of tranquility, security, and flourishing in their own lives. This prosperity is not necessarily material wealth but a deep, inner sense of peace and security that comes from aligning with God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:"** This opening clause is a direct, imperative command, a call to intercessory prayer. The plural verb "Pray" (שַׁאֲלוּ, *sha'alu*) indicates a communal responsibility, inviting all pilgrims and lovers of Zion to actively engage in seeking God's favor for the city. The object of their prayer is the "peace of Jerusalem," emphasizing the holistic *shâlôwm* that the city, as the heart of the nation, desperately needs for its spiritual, social, and political flourishing. This prayer is an act of spiritual warfare and faithful stewardship, recognizing God's sovereignty over the city and participating in His divine plan.
* **"they shall prosper that love thee."** This clause presents a divine promise, a clear consequence for those who heed the preceding command. The "thee" refers back to Jerusalem, personifying the city. Those who "love" Jerusalem are not merely those who feel affection for it, but those whose love is expressed through active concern, prayer, and support for its well-being. The promised "prosper" (from *shâlâh*) signifies that such individuals will experience a state of tranquility, security, and flourishing in their own lives, a reciprocal blessing that mirrors the *shâlôwm* they seek for the city. This establishes a profound connection between one's alignment with God's purposes for Jerusalem and one's personal well-being.

#### 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.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham to Bless Those Who Bless Him")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13-14 "God's Choice of Zion as His Dwelling Place")
* [Isaiah 62:6-7](/isaiah/62-6-7 "Watchmen on Jerusalem's Walls")

### 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

* **What does "Jerusalem" represent in your life today, and how can you actively pray for its *shalom*?**
* **How does your understanding of "prosperity" align with the holistic meaning of *shalom* in this verse?**
* **In what ways does your love for God's purposes manifest in your intercessory prayer life?**
* **How might your personal well-being be connected to your active engagement in seeking peace for others?**

### 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](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People"), 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](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of the City").

**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](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace").

**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](/acts/20-35 "Acts 20:35 - It is More Blessed to Give") and that seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness brings all other things into their proper place [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### 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](/luke/19-41-42 "Luke 19:41-42 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem") 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](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciliation"). The "peace of Jerusalem" is ultimately realized in the spiritual reality of the Church, which is described as the "Jerusalem above" [Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26 - The Jerusalem Above") 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](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and New Covenant"). 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](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descending"), 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](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life").

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 51:18

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 29:7

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

Genesis 12:3

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Psalms 137:6

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Psalms 137:7

¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

Jeremiah 51:50

Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.

Numbers 24:9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.