Psalm 122

The Voice

Psalm 122

A song [of David]^[a] for those journeying to worship.

This is a Davidic psalm celebrating the grandeur and significance of Jerusalem and its temple. It is ironic that Jerusalem means “city of peace” since more battles have been fought over it than over any other city.

¹I was so happy when my fellow pilgrims said,
“Let’s go to the house of the Eternal!”
²We have made the journey, and now we are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

³Jerusalem! What a magnificent city!
    Buildings so close together, so compact.
⁴God’s people belong here. Every tribe of the Eternal
    makes its way to Jerusalem—
Just as God decreed for Israel
    to come together and give thanks to the Eternal.
⁵In Jerusalem, justice is the order of the day because there sit the judges
    and kings, the descendants of David.

⁶Ask heaven to grant peace to Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you prosper.
⁷O Jerusalem, may His peace fill this entire city!
    May this citadel be quiet and at ease!”
⁸It’s because of people—my family, friends, and acquaintances—
    that I say, “May peace permeate you.”
⁹And because the house of Eternal One, our God, is here, know this:
    I will always seek your good!