Psalms 122:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 122:6
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Chapter Context
Psalms 122 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, righteousness, love. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 122:6
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H157 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- Prayer: Jeremiah 29:7
- References Jerusalem: Psalms 51:18, Jeremiah 51:50
- Love: 1 John 3:14
- Peace: Ephesians 4:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:16
- Parallel theme: Genesis 12:3, Numbers 24:9, John 17:21