Psalm 122:1-6

1 (121-1) <A gradual canticle.>

2 (121-1) (121-2) Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem.

3 (121-3) Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.

4 (121-4) For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.

5 (121-5) Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.

6 (121-6) Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.

Psalm 122:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 122

\\<>\\. This is the first of the songs of degrees that bears the name of David: and Kimchi thinks they only were written by him which have his name to them; though he, Abendana, and others, are of opinion that this psalm was composed with a view to the captives in Babylon; who are here represented, and are represented as rejoicing at their going up to Jerusalem, to the solemn feasts there. The inscription in the Syriac version is, ``a "psalm" of David, one of the psalms of ascent, when Cyrus commanded the captivity to go up; spiritually, a promise of good things.'' It seems to be designed for the use of the Israelites, and to be sung by them when they went up to the feasts, three times a year. Some say {a} they sung this by the way, when they carried the firstfruits to Jerusalem. {a} Weemse's Christ. Synagog. l. 1. c. 6. s. 4. p. 144.