What does Psalm 122:6 mean?
ESV: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they be secure who love you!
NIV: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure.
NASB: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you.
CSB: Pray for the well-being of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure;
NLT: Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.
KJV: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
NKJV: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.
Verse Commentary:
Although the name "Jerusalem" literally means foundation of peace, the city has known relatively little peace. Antagonistic nations have repeatedly attacked Jerusalem throughout history, and conflicts continue today. Here, the psalm prays for tranquility and safety over the city and those who follow the Lord (Psalm 97:10). This appeal for security also refers to the pilgrims traveling for required festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16).
When the Promised One (Daniel 9:25), Jesus, came to earth the first time, He wept over Jerusalem because it had rejected Him. By doing so, it had forfeited peace (Matthew 20:18; 23:37–39). In AD 70, only a few decades after Jesus' resurrection, the city and temple were destroyed (Matthew 24:1–2).
Someday, Jerusalem will experience lasting peace. This will happen when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, returns to earth. Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah included a prophecy that Jesus would occupy the throne of David and reign forever over the house of Jacob (Luke 1:32–33). When Christ returns and defeats all enemies (Revelation 19:11–16), He will establish a thousand-year reign on earth (Revelation 20:4). This will give way only to His rule in the New Jerusalem, which will last for all eternity (Revelation 21:1–4).
Verse Context:
Psalm 122:6–9 calls for prayers that Jerusalem will be kept secure and peaceful. Also, that its residents and all who love God will be safe. The psalmist, probably David, vows to seek Jerusalem's good for the sake of the Lord's house (1 Kings 6:1).
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 9:15:35 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
