Psalms 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Original Language Analysis
שַׁ֭אֲלוּ
Pray
H7592
שַׁ֭אֲלוּ
Pray
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 5
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
שְׁל֣וֹם
for the peace
H7965
שְׁל֣וֹם
for the peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
2 of 5
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
3 of 5
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
Cross References
Jeremiah 29:7And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.Psalms 51:18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.Genesis 12:3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.Jeremiah 51:50Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.Numbers 24:9He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.1 John 3:14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.Ephesians 4:3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.2 Thessalonians 3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.John 17:21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, Jerusalem faced constant threats - military, political, and spiritual. Prayer for Jerusalem's peace acknowledged dependence on divine protection and blessing. In exile, faithfulness was measured partly by continued longing and prayer for Jerusalem's restoration (Psalm 137:5-6). For Christians, Jerusalem's significance transfers to the church and the heavenly city.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem' in both Old and New Covenant contexts?
- How does loving Jerusalem demonstrate love for God and His purposes?
- Why is prosperity promised to those who love Jerusalem?
- In what ways should Christians pray for God's people and purposes today?
- How does concern for God's corporate people guard against unhealthy individualism?
Analysis & Commentary
An exhortation to prayer follows: 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.' The command 'pray for' makes intercession for Jerusalem a duty of all God's people. The Hebrew 'shalom Yerushalayim' creates wordplay - 'peace of Jerusalem' echoes the city's name meaning 'foundation of peace.' True peace requires divine intervention, thus prayer is essential. The promise 'they shall prosper that love thee' connects personal flourishing to devotion to Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem represents God's presence among His people, loving Jerusalem means loving God's dwelling place and purposes. Those who prioritize God's kingdom and rejoice in His presence will experience blessing. This principle extends beyond geography - those who love God's people and purposes prosper spiritually, even if they suffer temporally.