What does Psalm 122:1 mean?

This psalm is credited to David, though some scholars question if he wrote it personally. Some psalms labeled "of David" might refer to his style, rather than his literal authorship. However, nothing proves David did not write this song. This psalmist is elated to be heading into Jerusalem to worship God. The "house of the Lord" typically refers to the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) or temple (1 Kings 6:1) which was the center of old covenant worship. God had specified the observance of three annual feasts (Exodus 23:14–17; Deuteronomy 12:5–7). Israelite men were expected to attend these so long as they were close enough to make the journey (Deuteronomy 16:16).

Today, there is no central place for worshiping the Lord. The temple itself was destroyed in AD 70 (Matthew 24:1–2); and, under the new covenant, physical altars are no longer needed (Hebrews 9:24). The Church—all believers worldwide—is the Lord's temple. In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul writes to remind believers that each person's body is effectively a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).