Psalm 122:4

4 For thither the tribes went up, the tribes of the Lord, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

Psalm 122:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 122:4

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord
The twelve tribes of Israel; the males of them went up three times a year to Jerusalem to worship, at the feasts of passover, pentecost, and tabernacles; and was typical of the church of Christ, where the worship of God is carried on, his word preached, and ordinances administered; and whither saints go and attend for their own profit and the glory of God; this is the city of our solemnities, ( Isaiah 33:20 ) ( 56:7 ) ;

unto the testimony of Israel;
the ark of the testimony a symbol of the divine Presence. The law is called a testimony, because it testified the will of God to be done; this was put into an ark, which had its name from thence, and was typical of Christ, the end of the law for righteousness; and over the ark was the divine Presence: hither the tribes came to worship God, and to consult him;

``who (the Targum here says} testifies to Israel, that his divine Majesty dwells among them, when they go to confess unto the name of the Lord.''

The Gospel is called the testimony of Christ; and it is what testifies concerning his person, office, and grace, unto the Israel of God; and who go up to the house of God in order to hear it;

to give thanks unto the name of the Lord;
for all his mercies and blessings, both temporal and spiritual; and which should be acknowledged, not only in a private manner, but publicly in the house of God; see ( Psalms 100:4 ) ( 111:1 ) .

Psalm 122:4 In-Context

2 Our feet stood in thy courts, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built as a city whose fellowship is complete.

4 For thither the tribes went up, the tribes of the Lord, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

5 For there are set thrones for judgement, even thrones for the house of David.

6 Pray now for the peace of Jerusalem: and let there be prosperity to them that love thee.