Psalms 122:9

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 122:9, "Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good," encapsulates the Psalmist's profound devotion and commitment to the welfare of Jerusalem, directly inspired by the presence of God's Temple within the city.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 122, one of the fifteen Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134). These psalms were sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. Psalm 122 specifically expresses the joy and anticipation of arriving in the holy city, celebrating its role as a center for worship, justice, and tribal unity. The Psalmist's declaration in verse 9 is the culmination of his deep affection for Jerusalem, rooted in its sacred identity as the dwelling place of the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for God's Dwelling: The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the physical representation of God's presence among His people. This verse highlights the profound reverence and spiritual significance attached to this sacred place, which was the focal point of Israelite worship and national identity.
  • Seeking the City's Welfare: The Psalmist's commitment to "seek thy good" (referring to Jerusalem's well-being) is a direct consequence of the Temple's presence. This emphasizes that devotion to God naturally extends to a concern for the peace, prosperity, and holistic welfare of the community and city where God's presence is acknowledged. This sentiment is echoed in the preceding call to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6).
  • Interconnectedness of Faith and Community: The verse beautifully illustrates how faith in God and reverence for His dwelling place inspire active participation in and concern for the well-being of the wider community. The spiritual health of the nation was seen as intrinsically linked to the physical and social welfare of Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "good" is tov (טוֹב). While often simply meaning "good," it carries a rich connotation that includes well-being, prosperity, flourishing, peace, and general welfare. It signifies a state of holistic blessedness and completeness, not merely material benefit. The Psalmist desires this comprehensive "good" for Jerusalem because of its sacred purpose.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 122:9 offers several powerful applications:

  • Prioritizing God's Presence: It encourages us to prioritize God's presence in our lives and in our spiritual communities. Just as the Temple was central to ancient Israel, the church today is God's spiritual house, a place where His Spirit dwells.
  • Seeking the Good of the Community: Our love for God should compel us to seek the "good" – the peace, prosperity, and well-being – of our local churches, our cities, and the broader world. This involves active prayer, service, and working for justice and righteousness.
  • Unified Purpose: The verse reminds us that true devotion extends beyond personal piety to a communal responsibility, fostering unity and striving for the collective flourishing that comes from God's blessing.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back