Psalm 122 – Jerusalem, the peaceful city of God

David authored Psalm 122, the third song of the Songs of Degree, focusing on Jerusalem, focusing on the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem. He called for two things. First, to praise that beloved city, then to pray for her. Jerusalem is also known as the city of David for he had captured it. Before his conquest, it was a city owned by the Jebusites. After capturing it, David brought the Ark of the Covenant into the city to place there permanently. Jerusalem means city of peace. Ironically, this city of peace has experienced much contention for the longest time. It will truly be the city of peace when Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, rules it permanently.

David was joyfully excited by the invitation to go up to Jerusalem, to the house of God to worship Him. This can only be the response of a heart that’s filled with love for God. He was personally glad, but he was also glad because there were like-minded people who also wanted to go and worship God as well. Let’s be sure to cultivate such an attitude when we go to the house of God to worship Him. This attitude can only be there when we have a deep relationship, built through constant fellowship and connection. What a joy it must have been for David and the pilgrims to step and stood before the presence of God in His house. When David first captured the city it was much smaller. But Solomon improved on it and with time, it became a compact walled city. And like her the church is also a compact community, made up of people of all races and languages. In the Bible, the church has been likened to Jerusalem. Like Jerusalem, the church today is where the people of God gladly congregate together as one, to worship and give thanks to Him. It is also the place where we experience the reign of God and receive sound judgment concerning how to rightly do life. 

Verses 6-9 is a call to pray for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem. This city was first known as Salem. Melchizedek the eternal priest who blessed Abraham came from that city. Salem means peace. It’s claimed by the three monotheistic religions of the world, namely, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Since David’s time many had fought over it. Though it is called the city of peace, in experience, it is far from peaceful. Hence it comes as no surprize that David should call for prayer to be offered for that city. As we pray for that city we will experience the rich blessings of God as well. Loving Jerusalem is the outward demonstration of loving God. It is loving Christ and His people. Let us remember to pray for the peace of the physical Jerusalem. Let’s also pray for the church, the spiritual Jerusalem. And truly, the prosperity can be the experience of those who love both the physical and spiritual Jerusalem. For the sake of the community of believers, we are exhorted to pray for peace. And not only should we pray for peace but we must also do our part to ensure peace for the sake of the common good of the community.  

Remember to keep in your prayer list physical Jerusalem. Pray that God will grant peace upon her people there. And do not forget to pray for the spiritual Jerusalem, the church. Pray that every dividing wall of hostility be broken down and that peace will prevail in all our undertakings. Glory to God!