Psalms 122:9

KJV

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} I will seek {H1245} thy good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the sake of the house of ADONAI our God, I will seek your well-being.

Berean Standard Bible

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

American Standard Version

For the sake of the house of Jehovah our God I will seek thy good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 122:9, "Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good," articulates the Psalmist's profound devotion to the well-being and prosperity of Jerusalem, a commitment directly inspired and motivated by the sacred presence of God's Temple within the city. This verse encapsulates the deep spiritual connection between the divine dwelling, the people's worship, and their active pursuit of holistic flourishing for the community centered around God's presence, serving as a personal vow to promote the city's comprehensive welfare.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding declaration of Psalm 122, one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The psalm opens with an exultant expression of joy at the prospect of journeying to the "house of the LORD" ([Psalms 122:1](/psalms/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - Joyful Pilgrimage to Jerusalem")), then shifts to describe Jerusalem as a unified and purposeful city, the gathering place for the tribes of Israel for worship and the administration of justice ([Psalms 122:3-5](/psalms/122-3-5 "Psalm 122:3-5 - Jerusalem, City of Unity and Justice")). The preceding verses contain an earnest communal call to pray for the city's peace and prosperity, linking the well-being of the city to the well-being of those who love it ([Psalms 122:6-8](/psalms/122-6-8 "Psalm 122:6-8 - Praying for Jerusalem's Peace")). Verse 9, therefore, functions as the Psalmist's personal, solemn vow, building upon the communal prayers and rooted in his profound reverence for God's dwelling place in Jerusalem. It is a personal commitment stemming from and culminating the collective spiritual experience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period when the Psalms were composed, Jerusalem held immense significance as not only the political capital of the Kingdom of Judah but, more importantly, the spiritual heart of Israel. The "house of the LORD" refers specifically to the First Temple, built by King Solomon, which stood as the central sanctuary for Israelite worship, sacrificial rites, and the perceived earthly dwelling place of Yahweh's presence. Pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the three annual pilgrim festivals—Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot—were commanded by the Mosaic Law, fostering a powerful sense of national and religious unity. The city's prosperity, security, and peace (Hebrew: _shalom_) were intrinsically linked to the nation's spiritual health and God's covenantal favor. To "seek thy good" for Jerusalem thus implied desiring its comprehensive well-being, encompassing its spiritual vitality, social justice, physical security, and economic prosperity, all seen as divine blessings contingent on faithfulness to the covenant. The city itself was a potent symbol of God's enduring covenant faithfulness and the eschatological hope of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 122:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Reverence for God's Dwelling**, highlighting the profound spiritual and national significance of the Temple as the focal point of Israelite worship and identity, the place where God's name was honored and His presence manifested ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place for Worship")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Active Concern for the Community's Welfare**, demonstrating that genuine devotion to God naturally extends to a tangible, proactive commitment to the peace, prosperity, and holistic well-being of the city and its inhabitants. This echoes the prophetic call for justice and righteousness within the community, where true worship is inextricably linked to ethical living ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters")). Finally, the verse beautifully illustrates the **Interconnectedness of Personal Piety and Communal Responsibility**, showing how an individual's deep reverence for God's presence inspires active participation in and concern for the collective flourishing of the people. This holistic view of well-being is a recurring motif throughout wisdom literature and prophetic books, emphasizing that authentic faith is never isolated but always has communal implications, as seen in the foundational command to love one's neighbor as oneself ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, בַּיִת, _bayith'_):** While literally meaning "house" or "dwelling" in its broadest sense, in the phrase "the house of the LORD" (בֵּית יְהוָה), this term specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. This carries immense theological weight, signifying the physical locus of God's covenantal presence among His people, the central place of worship, sacrifice, and communion. It represents the institutionalized expression of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, serving as a powerful symbol of divine presence and national identity.
* **LORD (Hebrew, יְהֹוָה, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternality, and His active presence in the lives of His people. The Psalmist's commitment is not to a generic deity but to the specific God of Israel, who has chosen to dwell among them in His Temple. This name underscores the relational and covenantal basis for the Psalmist's devotion.
* **Seek (Hebrew, בָּקַשׁ, _bâqash'_):** This verb implies an active, intentional, and earnest pursuit. It denotes more than a passive desire; it signifies a deliberate effort to search out, strive after, or make inquisition for something. When applied to "thy good," it suggests a proactive engagement in promoting Jerusalem's welfare, implying fervent prayer, dedicated service, and potentially even social or political action to ensure its holistic flourishing. It conveys a deep, personal, and persistent commitment.
* **Good (Hebrew, טוֹב, _ṭôwb'_):** More than simply "good" in a superficial sense, _ṭôwb_ encompasses a rich semantic range, including well-being, prosperity, flourishing, peace, completeness, and general welfare. It signifies a state of holistic blessedness, encompassing spiritual, social, physical, and even material dimensions. The Psalmist desires this comprehensive "good" for Jerusalem, reflecting a desire for its complete health and flourishing, all stemming from its sacred purpose as God's chosen city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because of the house of the LORD our God":** This initial clause establishes the profound motivation and direct cause for the Psalmist's subsequent declaration. The presence of the Temple in Jerusalem—the physical manifestation of God's covenantal presence and the vibrant center of Israel's worship—is the direct inspiration for his commitment. This phrase signifies that a deep reverence for God and His dwelling place is the primary driver of his concern for the city. The inclusion of "our God" emphasizes a communal, covenantal relationship with Yahweh, underscoring that this devotion is shared among God's people.
* **"I will seek thy good":** This is the Psalmist's personal declaration and solemn vow. "Thy" refers to Jerusalem, the city itself, personified as an entity for which one can desire and pursue good. The active verb "seek" (בָּקַשׁ) conveys a deliberate, earnest, and proactive engagement, not merely a passive wish or fleeting sentiment. "Good" (טוֹב) encompasses the holistic well-being, peace (_shalom_), prosperity, and flourishing of the city in all its dimensions. This clause reveals a personal commitment to actively work towards the comprehensive welfare of Jerusalem, directly linking individual piety and reverence for God's presence to a tangible communal responsibility.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message and emotional depth. **Motivation/Consequence** is clearly evident in the causal link established by the opening phrase, "Because of..." The presence of "the house of the LORD" is presented as the direct impetus for the Psalmist's active pursuit of Jerusalem's welfare, illustrating a profound cause-and-effect relationship between divine presence and human action. **Personification** is subtly but significantly present as the Psalmist refers to Jerusalem's "good" ("thy good"), treating the city as a living entity capable of experiencing well-being, for which one can actively strive and express affection. This device allows for a more intimate and direct expression of the Psalmist's commitment. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is central, with "the house of the LORD" serving as a potent symbol of God's tangible presence among His people, His enduring covenant with Israel, and the spiritual heart of the nation. The Psalmist's devotion to this symbol translates into practical, active care for the entire community it represents. The verse also functions as a **Vow or Pledge**, a personal, solemn commitment made by the Psalmist, reinforcing the theme of individual responsibility within the communal context that is characteristic of the Songs of Ascents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 122:9 beautifully articulates a foundational biblical principle: authentic reverence for God's presence (symbolized by the Temple) naturally translates into an active, earnest desire and pursuit of the well-being of His people and the community where His presence is acknowledged. This demonstrates that faith is not merely an internal, private affair but has tangible, outward expressions of love and service towards others. The Psalmist's commitment to "seek thy good" for Jerusalem, driven by his devotion to the "house of the LORD," establishes a paradigm for believers across all dispensations: our worship of God should compel us to invest in the flourishing of the spiritual community and, by extension, the broader world, seeking its peace, justice, and holistic prosperity. This holistic perspective underscores the interconnectedness of spiritual devotion and social responsibility, reminding us that our love for God is intrinsically linked to our love for our neighbor and our commitment to the welfare of the places He has called us to inhabit.

* [Nehemiah 2:10](/nehemiah/2-10 "Nehemiah's Concern for Jerusalem's Welfare")
* [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Welfare of the City")
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Philippians 2:4 - Look Out for the Interests of Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 122:9 challenges believers today to deeply consider the profound connection between our reverence for God and our active engagement with the well-being of the spiritual community and the world around us. Just as the ancient pilgrims were moved by the physical presence of the Temple to seek Jerusalem's good, we, as followers of Christ, are called to be motivated by the indwelling presence of God's Spirit within us and among us (the Church as God's spiritual house) to actively pursue the "good" of our local churches, our cities, and the broader society. This means moving beyond passive wishes or mere sentiment to intentional prayer, sacrificial service, fervent advocacy for justice, and practical acts of love that promote holistic flourishing in every sphere. Our devotion to God should compel us to be proactive agents of peace and prosperity, reflecting His heart for a world made whole. It calls us to a unified purpose, recognizing that our individual faith is inextricably linked to the collective health and vibrant witness of the body of Christ and its transformative impact on the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specifically motivates your desire for the well-being of your local church and the community you live in?**
* **In what tangible and intentional ways are you currently "seeking the good" of your spiritual community or your city today?**
* **How does your personal devotion and worship of God translate into a practical, active commitment to the holistic flourishing of others around you?**

### FAQ
**What does "the house of the LORD our God" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In the context of Psalms 122, "the house of the LORD our God" refers specifically and primarily to the Temple in Jerusalem. This was the central sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell in a unique way, where sacrifices were offered according to the Law, and where the people of Israel gathered for worship, festivals, and the administration of justice. It served as the spiritual, symbolic, and national heart of Israel, representing God's covenant relationship with His people and His dwelling among them. The Psalmist's profound devotion to this sacred place is the direct and powerful motivation for his commitment to the city's comprehensive welfare.

**What does it mean to "seek thy good" for Jerusalem, and how is this relevant today for believers?**

Answer: To "seek thy good" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb_) for Jerusalem means to actively, earnestly, and intentionally pursue its holistic well-being, prosperity, peace (_shalom_), justice, and flourishing in every dimension. It is not merely a passive wish but a commitment to work towards its betterment—spiritually, socially, economically, and physically. For believers today, this principle extends beyond ancient Jerusalem to our spiritual communities (the Church) and the broader cities or nations where God has placed us. Just as the Psalmist was motivated by the physical Temple, we are called to be motivated by God's indwelling presence among us and in us to actively seek the "good" of our churches, contributing to their health, unity, and mission, and also to seek the peace and prosperity of the cities where we reside, as exhorted in [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Welfare of the City"). This involves a multifaceted approach including fervent prayer, sacrificial service, courageous advocacy for justice, and living out the transformative values of the kingdom of God in our daily lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 122:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper, more expansive meaning in Christ and the New Covenant. While the Psalmist’s devotion was directed towards the physical Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus Himself declared that He was the true and greater Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the Destruction of the Temple")). Through Christ's atoning work, God's presence is no longer confined to a stone building but dwells fully in Him, and by His Spirit, in all believers. Thus, "the house of the LORD our God" transforms from a physical structure to the spiritual body of Christ, the Church, of which believers are living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")) built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Therefore, our Christ-centered fulfillment of Psalms 122:9 involves actively "seeking the good" of the Church, the spiritual Jerusalem, by fostering its unity, purity, mission, and growth, and by extension, seeking the good of the world through the proclamation of the Gospel and acts of love and justice, reflecting the ultimate _shalom_ that Christ alone brings through His reconciling work ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). This profound commitment culminates in the glorious hope of the New Jerusalem, where God's dwelling is finally and eternally with His redeemed people, and all "good" is fully and perfectly realized in His unmediated presence ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven 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

Nehemiah 2:10

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it], it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

John 2:17

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Esther 10:3

For Mordecai the Jew [was] next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

1 Chronicles 29:3

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

Psalms 69:9

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Nehemiah 13:14

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.