What does Psalm 122:5 mean?

Jerusalem was the center of worship (Psalm 122:4) because it was the location of the temple: the "house of the Lord" (1 Kings 6:1). It was also the seat of Israel's government. This is where David established his throne and passed it along to his son, Solomon (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Kings 2:11–12). The descendants of David continued to occupy that throne until the nation was scattered into exile (2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Chronicles 36:17–20).

God's intent for human government is to uphold justice (Romans 13:1–7), so believers are expected to honor that role. We are called on to pray for those in leadership (1 Timothy 2:2–4). The Old Testament gave instructions about honorable rule in books such as Proverbs (Proverbs 8:15; 16:12; 28:15; 29:4). Scripture also predicted the coming of a descendant of David who would establish a permanent rule of perfect righteousness (Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44; Psalm 110:1–2). This was, and will be, fulfilled by Jesus Christ who will one day reign over the world in person (Revelation 20:4).