For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. The inhabitants of Jerusalem are the writer's "brethren and companions ." He is not a mere pilgrim on a visit to the holy city. read more
The religious value of the patriotic spirit. "For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will wish thee prosperity." This may be the expression of a pilgrim on leaving Jerusalem to return to his home. The love of the psalmist for his country was patriotism . Perowne says, "The last four verses of the psalm breathe a spirit of the noblest, most unselfish, patriotism. Not for his own sake, but for the sake of his brethren—the people at large—and for the sake of his God, his temple, and his... read more
Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. The tabernacle set up by David in Jerusalem is called "the house of the Lord" in Psalms 5:7 ; Psalms 27:4 ; Psalms 52:8 ; and Psalms 55:14 . God "dwelt there," as he dwelt in the tabernacle of Moses in the wilderness ( Exodus 40:34 , Exodus 40:35 ) and in the temple of Solomon subsequently ( 2 Chronicles 5:13 , 2 Chronicles 5:14 ). The good of Jerusalem was to be sought for two reasons: read more
Piety blessing national life. "Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do thee good" (Prayer-book Version). Piety is seen in the tender, almost pathetic, interest the man has in the temple, where the worship of God is conducted; the temple which is so rich with hallowed associations. That interest fills the psalmist with admiration for the city, and concern for the well-being of those who dwell in it, and the nation of which they all form parts. There is a possible... read more
For my brethren and companions’ sakes - Because they dwell there; or, because they go up there to worship; or, because they love thee, and find their happiness in thee; or, because they are unconverted, and all my hope of their salvation is to be derived from thee - from the church, from the influence of religion.I will now say, Peace be within thee - I will pray for thy peace, for thy prosperity, for the blessing of God upon thee - because their good, their comfort, their hope of salvation,... read more
Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good - Because of the sanctuary within thee; because that is the place where God is worshipped. The principal attraction in thee is the fact that in thee is the place where the worship of God is celebrated. It is this which gives its main importance in my view to the place; it is for this, and because I desire its influence to be perpetuated and extended, that I seek thy prosperity. This expresses a deep feeling in the mind of a pious... read more
Psalms 122:6-9. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem In the prosperity of which both your civil and religious privileges are deeply concerned. They shall prosper that love thee Or, Let them prosper, the future being taken imperatively, as is very frequent. The Lord grant them prosperity and all happiness. Peace be within thy walls In all thy dwellings; and prosperity within thy palaces Especially in the dwellings of thy princes and rulers, whose welfare and prosperity may be a public... read more
Psalms 120-124 To Jerusalem for worshipEach of the fifteen Psalms 120:0 to 134 is entitled ‘A Song of Ascents’ (RSV; NIV). These psalms were apparently sung by worshippers from the country areas as they made the journey up to Jerusalem for the various annual festivals.Whether or not the psalms were written for this purpose, they have been arranged in a sequence that reflects the feelings of the travellers. They provide expressions of worship for the travellers as they set out from distant... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 122:1-9
Worship. "I was glad when they said unto me," etc. This beautiful ode is supposed to have been by one dwelling in the country, who had been invited to join, and had joined, a company of pilgrims on their way to one of the feasts at Jerusalem; on his return, this ode embodied the sentiments that had been inspired. I. THE JOY OF WORSHIP . The delight of anticipation. ( Psalms 122:1 .) The brooding gladness which dwells on some anticipated great occasion. His imagination would... read more