What does Psalm 122:2 mean?
ESV: Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
NIV: Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.
NASB: Our feet are standing Within your gates, Jerusalem,
CSB: Our feet were standing within your gates, Jerusalem —
NLT: And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
KJV: Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
NKJV: Our feet have been standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem!
Verse Commentary:
These songs of "ascents" (Psalm 120—134) have been used along the journey to Jerusalem by those arriving for various feast days (Deuteronomy 16:16). In this psalm, the psalmist—probably David—is excited to go to the temple for worship (Psalm 122:1). This would be the expected attitude of a man "after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14).
Other psalms also encourage a lifestyle of enthusiastic praise to the Lord (Psalm 61:8; 97:11–12; 100:2, 4). The rest of this song honors Jerusalem as the place where God established the center of His chosen nation (Psalm 122:3–5).
Verse Context:
Psalm 122:1–2 rejoices because the psalmist—named as David—was called to worship God in Jerusalem. He is glad to be standing within the city. The expression "house of the Lord" frequently refers to the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) and later to the temple (1 Kings 6:1) where sacrifices were offered.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist, likely David himself, is happy to be called to the temple, also called the "house of the Lord" (1 Kings 6:1). This is located in Jerusalem, the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). The city became the center of Israel's political and religious life. For those reasons, the psalmist prays that the city will be protected; he calls others to join in this prayer.
Chapter Context:
Psalms 120—134 seem to have been used when Israelites traveled to Mount Zion for required festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). David had captured a mountain fortress (2 Samuel 5:7), Zion, which became his capitol city and the site of Jerusalem. This was later called the "city of David" (1 Kings 8:1). Since going to Jerusalem literally meant climbing to a higher elevation, this block of psalms are called songs "of ascents." Psalm 122 honors Jerusalem and prays for its peace and safety.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 11/22/2024 8:45:35 PM
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