Bible Commentaries

Psalms 122:1. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

I was glad for their sake, glad to think they were so willing to go. I was glad also for my own sake, for I was glad to go, too.

Psalms 122:2. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

Happy men who were citizens of such a city! Happy worshippers coming together to the place whose very name signifies the vision of peace, the metropolis of God, type of the New Jerusalem which is from above!

Psalms 122:3. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

Not a conglomeration of huts, but builded as a city with substantial structures; and not a straggling city, like some we read of, that have been called “cities of magnificent distances,” but it was “compact together.” Happy is the church that is at peace; blessed are the people who are joined together by a gracious brotherly love.

Psalms 122:4. Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.

The Church is the point of meeting: “Whither the tribes go up.” The Church is the place of “testimony,” and saints go to hear testimony, and they go to bear it. I wish there was more of this bearing testimony among Christian people, and that they looked upon it as a sacred duty to tell to others what God has told to them. “To give thanks unto the name of the Lord” — that is another part of true worship, — praise, joyful thanksgiving, should be one of the saints’ continual avocations; let us not forget it at this time. Some are here who have been sick; let them give thanks unto the name of the Lord. Some are here who are still weak, yet able to come up with God’s people; let us give thanks unto the name of the Lord. We have all some special mercy, some choice favor, for which to praise his name; then let us all give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

Psalms 122:6. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

If any of the people had been wronged by the petty magistrates, they went up to Jerusalem, and made their appeal to the king. Here may we bring our suit before God, and order our case before him, for he is true and just, and nothing shall go amiss that is left with him.

Psalms 122:6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

Pray for it now, breathe a silent prayer to God.

Psalms 122:6. They shall prosper that love thee.

God loves those who love his Church, and love his cause, and he rewards them with prosperity, as much of earthly prosperity as they can bear, and prosperity to their souls beyond measure.

Psalms 122:7. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palace.

The psalmist bade us pray, and now he himself prays. He who bids others do a thing should be prepared to set the example.

Psalms 122:8. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now pray, Peace be within Thee.

Let us say it, for the sake of beloved ones in heaven, and dear ones on earth who are on the way thither, “Peace be within thee.”

Psalms 122:9. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

Not only pray for it, but work for it, give for it, live for it: “I will seek thy good!” God bless to us these two Psalms and put us all in a right state of heart tonight! Amen.

This exposition consisted of readings from Psalms 121, 122.