Psalm 122:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Jerusalem — built as a city that is bound firmly together,

NIV: Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

NASB: Jerusalem, that has been built As a city that is firmly joined together;

CSB: Jerusalem, built as a city should be, solidly united,

NLT: Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached.

KJV: Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

NKJV: Jerusalem is built As a city that is compact together,

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.

Psalm 122:3–5 admires Jerusalem for its location, unified people, and as the place where Israel's tribes gather for worship. God established that location as the center of Israelite government. He also made it the focal point of worship under the old covenant.

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.

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.

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 8:41:14 PM