Psalms 122:7

KJV

Peace be within thy walls, [and] prosperity within thy palaces.

KJV (with Strong's)

Peace {H7965} be within thy walls {H2426}, and prosperity {H7962} within thy palaces {H759}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May shalom be within your ramparts, prosperity in your palaces.

Berean Standard Bible

May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.”

American Standard Version

Peace be within thy walls, And prosperity within thy palaces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 122:7 is a fervent prayer for the holistic well-being of Jerusalem, encapsulating the pilgrim's deep longing for the city's security, harmony, and flourishing. As part of the "Songs of Ascents," this verse articulates a desire for both internal tranquility ("peace within thy walls") and external success and abundance ("prosperity within thy palaces"), symbolizing the comprehensive welfare of the entire community, from its defenses to its centers of power and governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 122 is a joyful "Song of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The preceding verses (1-5) express the psalmist's delight in arriving at Jerusalem, the city where the tribes gathered for worship and judgment. The psalmist rejoices in the communal worship and the presence of the Lord's house. Verses 6-9 form a direct prayer for Jerusalem, beginning with the famous exhortation in [Psalms 122:6](/psalms/122-6 "Psalms 122:6 - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem") to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Verse 7, "Peace be within thy walls, [and] prosperity within thy palaces," articulates the desired outcomes of that prayer: comprehensive security and flourishing for the entire city, from its outermost defenses to its innermost centers of power. The concluding verses (8-9) reinforce the personal and communal commitment to seeking the city's good for the sake of brethren, companions, and the house of the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, during the time of the Psalms, was not only the political capital of Israel but also its spiritual heart, housing the Temple, the ark of the covenant, and serving as the focal point for national religious festivals. Pilgrimages to Jerusalem were central to Israelite identity and worship, fostering a deep communal bond and a sense of shared heritage. The "walls" were crucial for defense against external threats, symbolizing the city's physical security and the safety of its inhabitants. "Palaces" represented the seats of royal and governmental authority, where justice was administered and national decisions were made, signifying the city's administrative and economic vitality. The well-being of Jerusalem was inextricably linked to the well-being of the entire nation, culturally, politically, and spiritually. The prayer reflects a society that understood divine blessing as integral to national stability and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the longing for **Shalom** (peace), a rich Hebrew concept far exceeding the mere absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, harmony, security, and flourishing, both internally and externally. The prayer is for Jerusalem to experience this holistic peace within its protective walls. Coupled with this is the desire for **Prosperity**, which in this context (Hebrew `shalvah`) speaks to ease, success, and abundance. This isn't solely about material wealth but about the city thriving in all aspects—economically, socially, and spiritually, ensuring a good quality of life for all its inhabitants. The verse also highlights **Security and Stability**, as "walls" symbolize the city's defenses and overall protection, while "palaces" represent the centers of government, justice, and prominent residences. The prayer thus covers both the physical protection and the stable, righteous governance of the city, ensuring an ordered society. Finally, the verse underscores **Communal Well-being**, reflecting a deep sense of national and spiritual solidarity, understanding that the well-being of Jerusalem directly impacts the well-being of all Israel, echoing the instruction in [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of the City") to "seek the peace of the city" where one dwells.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (שָׁלוֹם, _shalom_):** This foundational Hebrew word is far more comprehensive than its English translation often conveys. _Shalom_ denotes a state of holistic well-being, completeness, soundness, harmony, and prosperity. It implies not just the absence of war or strife, but a positive, flourishing condition of life where everything is as it should be, in right relationship with God, self, others, and creation. When prayed for Jerusalem's "walls," it envisions internal tranquility, external security, and overall societal health.
* **Prosperity (שַׁלְוָה, _shalvah_):** This Hebrew term signifies ease, quietness, security, and a state of flourishing or abundance. It speaks to a settled, successful, and unhindered existence. When prayed for Jerusalem's "palaces," it implies the success and well-being of its leadership, institutions, and the overall economic and social thriving that emanates from its centers of power. It suggests a city that is not merely surviving but truly thriving in all its endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peace be within thy walls":** This clause expresses a fervent desire for the internal tranquility and security of Jerusalem. The "walls" symbolize the city's defenses, its boundaries, and by extension, the safety and well-being of all who dwell within them. It is a prayer for an absence of internal strife, for social harmony, and for protection from external threats, ensuring a secure and stable environment for its inhabitants.
* **"and prosperity within thy palaces":** This second clause extends the prayer for well-being to the centers of power and influence within the city. "Palaces" refer to the royal residences, governmental buildings, and the homes of the elite, representing the seat of authority, justice, and economic activity. The wish for "prosperity" ( _shalvah_) here signifies the flourishing of leadership, wise governance, economic success, and the overall thriving of the city's institutions, which would naturally spill over to benefit all its citizens.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "Peace be within thy walls" is echoed and reinforced by "and prosperity within thy palaces." The two clauses express similar ideas of well-being and flourishing, applied to different but complementary aspects of the city. This creates a sense of completeness and emphasis. The use of "walls" and "palaces" also functions as a **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole. Here, the outer defenses ("walls") and the inner centers of power ("palaces") together encompass the entirety of Jerusalem, symbolizing the desire for comprehensive peace and prosperity for every aspect of the city and its inhabitants. Furthermore, the direct address to Jerusalem ("thy walls," "thy palaces") can be seen as an instance of **Apostrophe**, lending a personal and intimate tone to the prayer, as if the psalmist is speaking directly to the beloved city itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prayer for Jerusalem's peace and prosperity is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's covenant with His people and His dwelling among them. Jerusalem, as the chosen city where God's name was established and His Temple stood, was seen as central to God's redemptive plan. The well-being of the city was thus intrinsically linked to the well-being of God's people and the advancement of His kingdom. The prayer reflects a theological conviction that true peace and flourishing are divine gifts, bestowed upon a community that seeks God's presence and righteousness. It highlights the importance of communal solidarity and intercession, recognizing that the health of the spiritual and political capital impacts the entire nation. This echoes the broader biblical call for believers to seek the welfare of the places they inhabit, understanding that societal peace and justice are conducive to the spread of God's truth and the flourishing of His people.

* [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of the City")
* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 122:7 invites believers today to cultivate a deep and active concern for the well-being of their communities, nations, and leaders, mirroring the ancient pilgrim's fervent desire for Jerusalem's flourishing. This means engaging in earnest prayer not only for spiritual growth but also for the tangible aspects of societal health: for security and safety within our cities, for justice and integrity among those in authority, and for the economic and social prosperity that allows all to thrive. Just as the walls and palaces represented the totality of Jerusalem, our prayers should encompass every sphere of influence—from the protection of our homes to the righteous governance of our institutions. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that true peace and prosperity, in their fullest, holistic sense, are gifts from God, and they are worth earnestly seeking through prayer and active participation, both for our physical surroundings and for the spiritual "city" of God's people, the Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your understanding of "peace" (shalom) challenge or expand your modern definition of peace?**
* **In what specific ways can you pray for the "walls" (security and safety) and "palaces" (leadership and governance) of your own community or nation?**
* **What role do you believe believers play in actively seeking the prosperity and well-being of their local communities, beyond just prayer?**
* **How does the communal aspect of this prayer for Jerusalem inform your view of corporate prayer for societal issues today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "walls" and "palaces" in this verse?**

Answer: The "walls" of Jerusalem represent its physical defenses, security, and the safety of its inhabitants. They symbolize protection from external threats and the maintenance of internal order. The "palaces," on the other hand, refer to the royal residences, governmental buildings, and the homes of the city's elite and powerful. They symbolize the centers of authority, justice, and economic activity. Together, "walls" and "palaces" form a **merism**, a literary device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole. In this case, they encompass the entirety of Jerusalem—from its outermost defenses to its innermost centers of power and influence—signifying a prayer for comprehensive peace and prosperity for every aspect of the city and its people.

**How does "shalom" (peace) in this context differ from a modern understanding of peace?**

Answer: Modern understanding of "peace" often defaults to the absence of conflict or war. While this is part of it, the Hebrew concept of `shalom` (שָׁלוֹם) is far richer and more expansive. `Shalom` signifies a state of holistic well-being, completeness, soundness, harmony, and flourishing in all aspects of life. It implies right relationship with God, with oneself, with others, and with the created world. It's not just the cessation of negative conditions but the presence of positive, flourishing ones—a state where everything is as it should be. So, when the psalmist prays for `shalom` within Jerusalem's walls, it's a prayer for internal tranquility, social justice, economic stability, spiritual vitality, and overall communal flourishing, not merely the absence of war.

**Is this prayer for Jerusalem still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific geographical and historical context is ancient Jerusalem, the underlying principles of this prayer are timeless and universally applicable. The verse encourages believers to pray for the peace and well-being of the cities and nations where they reside, as instructed in [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of the City"). This includes praying for just governance, social harmony, physical security, and spiritual flourishing in our communities. Furthermore, for Christians, Jerusalem also serves as a type or foreshadowing of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city of God (as described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem")), for which we ultimately long and whose values we seek to embody on earth. Therefore, praying for peace and prosperity, in its holistic `shalom` sense, for our earthly cities and for the spiritual city of God's people, remains a vital act of faith and civic responsibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 122:7 is a prayer for the earthly city of Jerusalem, its deepest fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ and the spiritual reality of His kingdom. Christ Himself is our ultimate "Peace" (`shalom`), as [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") declares, "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." Through His atoning work, Jesus brings reconciliation not only between God and humanity but also among people, breaking down the spiritual "walls" of hostility and ushering in true harmony. The "prosperity" within the "palaces" finds its ultimate expression in the spiritual flourishing and abundant life that Christ offers to His Church, the new spiritual Jerusalem. We are called to [Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Mount Zion, the City of the Living God"), where Christ reigns as King. The peace and prosperity longed for in the Old Testament city are fully realized in the spiritual kingdom of God, which is both present in the Church and perfectly consummated in the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven, where God dwells with His people and there is no more sorrow or pain, only eternal peace and flourishing ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Thus, the prayer of Psalms 122:7 points forward to the comprehensive peace and blessedness found only in Christ and His eternal reign.

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

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Psalms 48:3

God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Isaiah 54:13

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

Psalms 48:13

Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell [it] to the generation following.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

1 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.