Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you prosper. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:This phrase is a call to intercession for Jerusalem, the city central to Jewish identity and faith. Jerusalem, often referred to as Zion, holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the site of the Temple, the center of Jewish worship. The peace of Jerusalem is not merely the absence of conflict but encompasses wholeness, prosperity, and divine blessing. Biblically, Jerusalem is seen as the city of God ( Psalm 48:1-2), and its peace is tied to the fulfillment of God's promises. Praying for Jerusalem aligns with God's covenantal relationship with Israel and reflects a desire for the ultimate peace that will come with the Messiah's reign ( Isaiah 9:6-7). “May those who love you prosper.”
This blessing is directed towards those who hold Jerusalem dear, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between the city's well-being and the prosperity of its supporters. The term "prosper" implies not just material wealth but spiritual and communal flourishing. In the biblical context, prosperity is often linked to obedience and alignment with God's will (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, expressing His love and desire for its peace (Luke 19:41-44). The prosperity of those who love Jerusalem can be understood as a foretaste of the blessings that will come with the establishment of God's kingdom on earth, where peace and righteousness will prevail (Revelation 21:1-4). Persons / Places / Events 1. JerusalemThe city of Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and prophecy. It is the city of David, the location of the Temple, and a symbol of God's presence and peace. In the context of Psalm 122, Jerusalem represents not only a physical city but also a spiritual center for the people of Israel. 2. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 122, King David is a key figure in the Bible, known for his heart for God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual capital of Israel. 3. PilgrimsPsalm 122 is a "Song of Ascents," sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the feasts. These pilgrims represent the faithful who seek to worship God in His holy city. Teaching Points The Importance of PrayerPrayer is a powerful tool for believers. Praying for Jerusalem is an act of obedience and aligns our hearts with God's purposes. Peace as a BlessingThe Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses wholeness, prosperity, and well-being. Praying for peace is praying for God's comprehensive blessing. Love for God's PeopleThose who love Jerusalem are called to prosper. This love extends to all of God's people and His plans for them. Spiritual PilgrimageLike the ancient pilgrims, believers today are on a spiritual journey. Our focus should be on worship and seeking God's presence. Prosperity in God's TermsTrue prosperity is found in alignment with God's will and purposes, not merely in material wealth. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" in today's context, and how can we incorporate this into our prayer life? 2. How does the concept of "shalom" in Hebrew deepen our understanding of what it means to pray for peace? 3. In what ways can we demonstrate love for Jerusalem and God's people in our daily lives? 4. How does the idea of a spiritual pilgrimage apply to our personal walk with God, and what steps can we take to ensure we are moving towards Him? 5. How can we redefine prosperity in our lives to align with biblical principles, and what changes might this require in our priorities? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 48This psalm also speaks of the beauty and significance of Jerusalem, highlighting its role as the city of the Great King. Isaiah 62This chapter emphasizes the importance of praying for Jerusalem and its future glory, reinforcing the call to intercede for the city. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers connects to the call for peace in Jerusalem, as those who promote peace are blessed. Revelation 21The vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation ties the earthly city to its ultimate fulfillment in God's eternal plan. | A Pious Patriot | Homilist | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Gladness About Worship | U. R. Thomas. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Gladness in the Prospect of Divine Worship | S. Martin, M. A. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Gladness of God's House | J. G. Butler. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Happiness and Worship | R. Sinclair. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Inducements to Public Worship | J. F. Haynes, LL. D. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Jerusalem a Type of the Church | S. Conway | Psalm 122:1-9 | | The Christian's Pleasure At Being Invited to God's House | H. Melvill, B. D. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | The Communion of Saints | W. S. Lewis, M. A. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | The Good Man's Joy in the Engagements of the Sanctuary | R. S. McAll, LL. D. | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Worship | C. Short | Psalm 122:1-9 | | Peace, Prosperity, and Prayer | R. Tuck | Psalm 122:6, 7 | | A Eulogy of the Church | C. M. Griffin, D. D. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | Love to the Church of God | Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons | Psalm 122:6-9 | | On the Love of Our Country | H. Blair, D. D. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | On the Love of Our Country | A. Stirling, LL. D. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | On the Love of Our Country | A. Donnan. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem | J. Summerfield, M. A. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | Prayer for the Peace of the Church | John McKay. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | Prayer for the Peace of Zion | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | Prayer for the Prosperity of the Church Encouraged | R. Hall, M. A. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | The Duty of Praying for the Peace of the Church | T. Boston, D. D. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | The Good of the Church | W. Herren. | Psalm 122:6-9 | | The Prosperity of the Church | J. S. Elliott. | Psalm 122:6-9 |
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Jerusalem, Love, Loving, O, Peace, Prayers, Prosper, Rest, SecureDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 122:6 8297 love, for God
8300 love, and the world Psalm 122:1-9 1680 types Psalm 122:6-8 6703 peace, divine OT Psalm 122:6-9 5542 society, positive Library August the Eighteenth the Church of the Firstborn
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." --PSALM cxxii. And my Jerusalem is "the church of the living God." Do I carry her on my heart? Do I praise God for her heritage, and for her endowment of spiritual glory? And do I remember her perils, especially those parts of her walls where the defences are very thin, and can be easily broken through? Yes, has my Church any place in my prayer, or am I robbing her of part of her intended possessions? And is the entire Jerusalem the subject of my supplication? …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearReligious Patriotism.
"Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity in itself. . . . O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes I will wish thee prosperity. Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek to do thee good."--PSALM cxxii. 3, 6-9. As we draw near to the end of our summer term, when so many are about to take leave of their school life, there is sure to rise up in …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby For the Peace and Prosperity of the Church. --Ps. cxxii.
For the Peace and Prosperity of the Church.--Ps. cxxii. Glad was my heart to hear My old companions say, Come,--in the House of God appear, For 'tis an holy day. Our willing feet shall stand Within the temple-door, While young and old in many a band Shall throng the sacred floor. Thither the tribes repair, Where all are wont to meet, And joyful in the House of Prayer Bend at the Mercy-seat. Pray for Jerusalem, The city of our God; The Lord from Heaven be kind to them That love the dear abode. …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Ps. cxxii. 7-9.
Ps. cxxii. 7-9. God in his temple let us meet: Low on our knees before Him bend, Here hath He fix'd his Mercy-seat, Here on his worship we attend. Arise into thy resting-place, Thou, and thine ark of strength, O Lord! Shine through the veil, we seek Thy face; Speak, for we hearken to Thy word. With righteousness Thy priests array; Joyful Thy chosen people be; Let those who teach, and hear, and pray, Let all be Holiness to Thee! …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns O 'twas a Joyful Sound to Hear
[1178]Mt. Sion: Horatio Parker, 1888 Psalm 122 Tate and Brady, 1698 DOXOLOGY O 'twas a joyful sound to hear Our tribes devoutly say, Up, Israel! to the temple haste, And keep your festal day. At Salem's courts we must appear, With our assembled powers, In strong and beauteous order ranged, Like her united towers. O ever pray for Salem's peace; For they shall prosperous be, Thou holy city of our God, Who bear true love to thee. May peace within thy sacred walls A constant guest be found; With …
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 122:6 NIVPsalm 122:6 NLTPsalm 122:6 ESVPsalm 122:6 NASBPsalm 122:6 KJV
Psalm 122:6 Commentaries
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