May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses." May there be peace within your wallsThis phrase is a prayer for peace within the city of Jerusalem, which is often seen as a symbol of God's dwelling place and the center of worship for the Israelites. The "walls" refer to the physical fortifications of the city, which were crucial for protection against enemies. Biblically, peace (shalom) is not just the absence of conflict but a state of completeness and well-being. This prayer reflects the desire for divine protection and harmony among the inhabitants. Jerusalem's peace is significant as it is the city where God chose to place His name ( 1 Kings 11:36) and where the temple was built. The peace of Jerusalem is also a recurring theme in prophetic literature, pointing to a future time of messianic peace ( Isaiah 2:2-4). and prosperity inside your fortresses.
Prosperity here refers to the well-being and flourishing of the city's inhabitants. The "fortresses" indicate the strongholds or defensive structures within Jerusalem, suggesting a secure and stable environment where prosperity can thrive. In the historical context, prosperity was often linked to God's blessing and favor, as seen in the covenant promises to Israel (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). The prosperity of Jerusalem is also a type of the spiritual prosperity found in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. The imagery of fortresses can be connected to God being a refuge and strength for His people (Psalm 46:1). The prayer for prosperity is a call for God's continued provision and abundance, reflecting the hope for a future where God's kingdom is fully realized. Persons / Places / Events 1. JerusalemThe city of Jerusalem is central to this Psalm. It is the spiritual and political heart of Israel, representing God's dwelling place and the unity of His people. 2. DavidTraditionally attributed to King David, this Psalm reflects his deep love for Jerusalem and his desire for its peace and prosperity. 3. PilgrimsThe context of Psalm 122 is a song of ascents, sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the feasts. It reflects their prayers and hopes for the city. Teaching Points The Importance of PeacePeace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of God's order and blessing. We should seek peace in our communities and personal lives, reflecting God's kingdom. Prosperity in God's TermsBiblical prosperity is holistic, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. It is not merely material wealth but thriving in God's presence and purpose. Prayer for Our CommunitiesJust as the Psalmist prays for Jerusalem, we are called to pray for our cities and communities, asking for God's peace and prosperity to reign. Unity Among BelieversThe peace within Jerusalem's walls symbolizes unity among God's people. We should strive for unity in the body of Christ, working together for His glory. God's ProtectionThe mention of fortresses reminds us of God's protection. We can trust in His safeguarding over our lives and communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of peace in Psalm 122:7 compare to the peace that Jesus offers in John 14:27? 2. In what ways can we actively contribute to the peace and prosperity of our own communities, drawing from the principles in Psalm 122:7? 3. How does the prayer for Jerusalem's peace in Psalm 122:7 inspire us to pray for our own nations and leaders, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to promote unity within our church or Christian community, reflecting the peace within Jerusalem's walls? 5. How can we redefine prosperity in our lives to align with biblical principles, moving beyond material wealth to spiritual and communal well-being? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 48This Psalm also speaks of the beauty and strength of Jerusalem, emphasizing God's presence and protection over the city. Isaiah 2:2-4These verses prophesy about the peace and prosperity that will come to Jerusalem in the last days, when nations will seek the Lord's instruction. 1 Timothy 2:1-2Paul urges believers to pray for peace, which aligns with the prayer for peace in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of peace in the life of believers. | 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 | | The Peace and Prosperity of Jerusalem | John Currie, D. D. | Psalm 122:7-8 |
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bulwark, Bulwarks, Citadels, Houses, Inside, Noble, Palaces, Peace, Places, Prosperity, Rest, Security, Towers, Walls, Wealth, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 122:7 5254 citadel 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 122:7 NIVPsalm 122:7 NLTPsalm 122:7 ESVPsalm 122:7 NASBPsalm 122:7 KJV
Psalm 122:7 Commentaries
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