Psalm 122:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.

NIV: There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

NASB: For thrones were set there for judgment, The thrones of the house of David.

CSB: There, thrones for judgment are placed, thrones of the house of David.

NLT: Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.

KJV: For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

NKJV: For thrones are set there for judgment, The thrones of the house of David.

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).

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 8:36:32 PM