What does Psalm 122:3 mean?

This psalm celebrates the opportunity to worship at the temple in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:1–2). Jerusalem was established when David captured a mountain fortress from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6–10). This became the capital city of the nation of Israel. It was also the site where David's son, Solomon, built the first permanent temple for worship under the old covenant (1 Chronicles 22:1; 1 Kings 6:1). The city was in a good strategic location and lay on the border of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin; those two groups eventually formed the southern kingdom after Israel separated (1 Kings 12:16–17).

Translators and commentators approach the description of Jerusalem given here in different ways. The Hebrew words can mean "constructed alike" or "built compactly" or "bound tightly" or even "solidly united." The implication might be that the city is in excellent condition and sturdy. It may refer to the structures being closely aligned. It may suggest that the people are living in unified worship of the Lord. Any or all of those might apply, both in literal and symbolic ways.