A hymn of joy over Jerusalem, and a prayer for the peace of the city of God.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-5
st. 2 = vv. 6-9
This is one of fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (120-134) the Israelites sang as they went up to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Psalm 122 must have been intended for the moment when the pilgrims reached the city: "Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem" (v. 2). The psalm hails Jerusalem as the city where the tribes may go up to worship at the LORD's temple and where the divinely chosen house of David rules in justice over God's people (st. 1). As such, Jerusalem (Zion) is the earthly center of the kingdom of God, the focal point of the worship, life, and security of God's covenant nation (other psalms of Zion are 46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 125, and 137). It is most fitting, then, that out of their love for Jerusalem the pilgrims conclude this song with a prayer for the city's peace (st. 2). Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) versified Psalm 122 in 1982 for the Psalter Hymnal.
Liturgical Use:
Beginning of worship; expressions of the church's commitment to the city or kingdom of God; prayer for the coming of the kingdom.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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