A song of ascents. Of David.
This is the third of a sequence of 15 psalms that identify as "songs of ascents", presumably sung as people in procession went up to the temple. Four of the songs of ascents are attributed to David. They are this psalm along with psalms 124, 131 and 133. (Another, Psalm 127, is attributed to Solomon.) Although this song is attributed to David, there are some aspects of the song that fit better into a later timeline.
Psalm 122:1, Let us go!
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
If Psalms 120 and 121 describe pilgrims approaching Jerusalem, then here the pilgrims approach the temple itself. The song begins in the singular, David rejoicing that he has been invited to worship in God's presence. (What is the house of YHWH here? If David is indeed the author, the house cannot be the temple, since the temple would not be built until Solomon's time.)
Psalm 122:2-5, I am in Jerusalem!!
Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.
There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
After dreaming of Jerusalem and longing to enter the city, the thankful pilgrim finally looks around and says, "Yes! I am home! I am really standing here!" Among the observations of the pilgrim is that they are indeed standing where the tribes gather and where the thrones of David sit.
The Hebrew word chabar, is translated "closely compacted" and occurs five times in Exodus 26 :3-11 , in the description of the construction of the temple. (Kidner cites Anderson for this observation.) It is possible that "closely compacted" is not just a physical description but has a deeper meaning here.
Psalm 122:6-7, The peace of Jerusalem
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
A natural result of the pilgrim's awe at finally being in Jerusalem is a prayer for that great city. He prays for the piece of Jerusalem and the security of its residents. It is possible that the first line of verse 6 is a call with the remaining lines of verses 6 and 7 forming a response.
There is a poetic ripple in the second line of verse 6. In Hebrew it is shalom jerusalem yishlayu, (literally "peace (to) Jerusalem (may you) prosper") a ripple naturally aided by the fact that shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, is part of the name of the city. As if to emphasize this, the word shalom shows up once each in the last three verses of this song.
The synthetic parallelism in verse 7 climbs (notes Alter) from peace within the walls to security with the palaces.
Psalm 122:8-9, Seek the prosperity of Jerusalem
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
The pilgrim, who has prayed for the peace of Jerusalem, now wishes his brothers (and sisters) and friends peace. He promises to seek the prosperity of Jerusalem, the house/temple of YHWH.
Some Random Thoughts
I have, at times longed to see a favored location, such as the front range of Colorado or the Chisos moutains of Big Bend National Park. Those were beloved places of my childhood. As an adult I have dreamed about them, made plans to visit them, finally, months later I am there and I find it hard to believe. I have finally arrived and I am overwhelmed. "I am really here! Oh, look!"
That is the attitude of this singer, upon entering Jerusalem.
First published November 4, 2025; updated November 4, 2025
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