Psalm 122
This psalm is one of 15 “songs of ascents” used by the Old Testament pilgrims as they traveled up to Jerusalem on each of their three annual journeys to the festivals God had commanded them to hold each year. In this psalm David expresses the joy of the faithful in being able to worship God in the tabernacle.
The first two verses expresses David’s joy in being invited to join the pilgrim journey to worship God. Believers should encourage one another to join together in public worship to hear God’s Word and to praise His name. At the first sight of Jerusalem, the pilgrims stand in astonishment at the city with its gates open to receive the pilgrim worshipers.
The second section (verses 3 to 5) continue to describe Jerusalem and its center of worship. The city is built up without gaps and open spaces between houses. At Passover, Pentecost, and the Day of Atonement, the 12 tribes of Israel were to gather together according to the testimony and ordinance of God. They came to give thanks to God for His many blessings, but chiefly to thank Him for salvation through the promised Messiah. Not only was Jerusalem the place for worship, it was also the capitol city of David, where the government officials resided and where justice was administered according to God’s laws.
When the people of Israel were diligent in keeping the commandments of God and trusting in God’s promise of salvation (as typified in the animal sacrifices), there was real joy in coming to the tabernacle to worship the Lord God at the place where He put His name. In the same way, we should also rejoice each Sunday when we have opportunity to join together to praise God for His wonderful works of salvation and to receive His Word and Sacraments which assure us that our sins are forgiven in Jesus Christ.
The last section (verses 6 to 9) is a call to prayer for Jerusalem. They are to pray for peace and prosperity in Jerusalem for those who love God. Peace and prosperity of soul are the results of true worship as fellow believers live in harmony and peace. God’s blessing will also rest upon His children as He answers their prayers. The prayer of peace also is meant for David’s companions who invited him to worship. Because the tabernacle is the center of the worship of the true God, David declares that he will seek the good of the city so that he may continue to worship in Jerusalem.
We also should pray for peace among brethren that the Word may not be hindered by strife or discord. The blessing of peace enables people to worship God in spirit and truth.
