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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:3

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together ; rather, Jerusalem that art builded . The primary reference is probably to the compact shape and look of the ancient city, which, as Josephus says, was "one and entire," with no straggling suburbs, shut in on the north by a wall, and on the three other sides both by walls and by deep, rocky valleys. But the material "compactness" was perhaps taken to symbolize the close internal union of the inhabitants one with another, whereby... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:3

Religious attachment to places. "One thing that would have struck a pilgrim to Jerusalem who should approach the city from its north-eastern side was its beauty. The stately buildings erected by Solomon on the south side of the temple area—Solomon's own house of judgment, the house of the Forest of Lebanon, the palaces of the kings of Zion, the palaces of the princes of Judah around it, the circuit of the walls, above all, the temple, with its courts, with its burnished roof, with its... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:3

The emblem of spiritual unity. "Compact together." Stanley thinks this term indicates the impression made on country visitors by the conformation of the ground on which the city of Jerusalem stood. "Those deep ravines which separate Jerusalem from the rocky plateau of which it forms a part, and acted as its natural defense, must also have determined its natural boundaries. The city, wherever else it spread, could never overleap the valley of the Kedron or of Hinnom. The expression of ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:4

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord . This points to a time before the dispersion of "the tribes," which rendered such regular "going up" impossible. Unto the testimony of Israel ; rather, as a testimony unto Israel— a witness to the whole nation that all Israelites had covenant privileges at Jerusalem. To give thanks unto the Name of the Lord. The three great feasts whereto Israel was bound to "go up" were all of them seasons of thanksgiving. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:4

The mission of the great feasts. "The pre-Mosaic festivals were pure nature-festivals. In the changes of the seasons, and of the phenomena of heaven, nature always displays a gracious adaptation to the needs of man, giving him special opportunities and intervals when he may rest for a considerable while from his ordinary toil, and devote himself unreservedly to higher thoughts." The work of Moses in developing, and adapting to a purpose, these nature-festivals needs to be carefully... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:5

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Jerusalem was the civil, no less than the religious, center. There David judged controversies, and Absalom when he usurped the throne, and Solomon when David associated him. But the plural may be "a plural of dignity." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:5

The blending of the civil and religious. This subject need not be treated controversially. All are agreed that a vital union of the civil and religious, of Church and State, is desirable, and even necessary. There may be differences of opinion as to the formal ways in which such union may be represented. If we look for its realization in the ancient Jewish nation, we must bear in mind that it was based on the theocratic notion. The unseen Jehovah was as truly the Head of the State as he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . Let all true Israelites "pray for the peace of Jerusalem," i . e . for her tranquility and for her prosperity. They shall prosper that love thee . A covert threat, as well as a promise. "Such as love Jerusalem, and pray for her peace, shall prosper; such as do not love her shall lack prosperity." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:6-7

Peace, prosperity, and prayer. Emphatically a pilgrim-song, and by a poet who usually lived in the country. Describes the pleasure felt at invitation to join a party who were going up to one of the feasts. We have the joy and music of the journey; then the impressions on arrival, the first passionate delight of being in the holy city—a city beautifully built, well compacted, adorned with palaces, and strongly fortified. Observe the intense feeling with which Jerusalem was regarded by Jews.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:7

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces . The prayer, which he would have others offer, the psalmist now offers himself. The prayer embraces, first, the whole community; then, especially those who have the direction and government of it. read more

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