For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of my brothers and friendsThis phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of the psalmist's prayer. In ancient Israel, the concept of community was deeply rooted in family and kinship ties. The term "brothers" can refer to fellow Israelites, highlighting the unity and shared identity among God's people. The inclusion of "friends" extends this concern beyond familial ties, suggesting a broader social network. This reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor ( Leviticus 19:18) and the New Testament teaching of loving one another ( John 13:34-35). The psalmist's concern for peace is not self-centered but is motivated by a desire for the well-being of the community. I will say, “Peace be within you.”
The declaration of peace is a common biblical blessing, often associated with the Hebrew word "shalom," which encompasses wholeness, prosperity, and tranquility. In the context of Jerusalem, where this psalm is set, peace is particularly significant. Jerusalem was not only the political and spiritual center of Israel but also a symbol of God's presence among His people. The psalmist's prayer for peace within the city reflects a desire for stability and divine favor. This echoes the prophetic vision of peace in the Messianic age (Isaiah 9:6-7) and finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who brings reconciliation and peace to humanity (Ephesians 2:14-17). The phrase also serves as a reminder of the believer's role in seeking and promoting peace within their communities, as instructed in Romans 12:18. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 122, King David is expressing his deep love and concern for Jerusalem and its inhabitants. 2. JerusalemThe city of peace, central to Jewish worship and identity, and the focal point of David's prayer for peace. 3. Brothers and FriendsRepresents the community of believers, fellow Israelites, and those who share in the covenant relationship with God. Teaching Points The Importance of CommunityDavid's prayer for peace is not just personal but communal. As believers, we are called to seek the well-being of our spiritual family and community. The Role of IntercessionInterceding for others, as David does, is a vital part of our spiritual responsibility. We should regularly pray for peace and unity within our churches and communities. Peace as a Divine GiftTrue peace comes from God and is a gift that surpasses human understanding. We should seek this peace in our lives and extend it to others. Unity in DiversityThe call for peace among brothers and friends highlights the need for unity amidst diversity. We should strive to maintain harmony despite differences. The Influence of LeadershipAs a leader, David sets an example by prioritizing the peace of his people. Leaders today should also prioritize the spiritual and communal well-being of those they lead. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's prayer for peace in Psalm 122:8 reflect his understanding of community and leadership? 2. In what ways can we actively promote peace within our own communities and churches today? 3. How does the concept of peace in Psalm 122:8 connect with Jesus' teachings on peace in the New Testament? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to intercede for our "brothers and friends" in prayer? 5. How can we apply the principle of seeking peace for others in our daily interactions and relationships? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 133:1This verse speaks about the goodness and pleasantness of brothers dwelling together in unity, which complements the theme of peace and unity in Psalm 122:8. Ephesians 4:3Paul urges believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, echoing the call for peace within the community of faith. John 14:27Jesus speaks of His peace, which He leaves with His followers, a peace not as the world gives, aligning with the peace David desires for Jerusalem. | The Religious Value of the Patriotic Spirit | R. Tuck | Psalm 122:8 | | 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 | | 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 Brethren, Brothers, Companions, Friends, Peace, Sake, Sakes, Speak, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes 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 122:8 NIVPsalm 122:8 NLTPsalm 122:8 ESVPsalm 122:8 NASBPsalm 122:8 KJV
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