The Book of Psalms

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- Chapter 122 -

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

A Canticle in steps. I rejoiced in the things that were said to me: “We shall go into the house of the Lord.”

Our feet were standing in your courts, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem has been built as a city, whose participation is unto itself.(a)

For to that place, the tribes ascended, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to confess to the name of the Lord.

For in that place, seats have sat down in judgment, seats above the house of David.(b)

Petition for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem, and for abundance for those who love you.(c)

Let peace be in your virtue, and abundance in your towers.

For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors, I spoke peace about you.

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I sought good things for you.

Footnotes

(a)121:3 Jerusalem is a city unto itself. Other cities must look to Jerusalem for leadership and guidance. Jerusalem is a city that looks inward for what it needs.(Conte)

(b)121:5 Jerusalem is above Bethlehem, both literally and figuratively. Figuratively, the house of David is the Jewish faith and the city of Jerusalem represents the Catholic faith. Literally, Jerusalem is a greater city and higher in elevation than Bethlehem.(Conte)

(c)121:6 The verb ‘rogate’ is also used in Latin to refer to legislators, who must petition for a bill to become law. So, this verse also means that we should seek laws that are towards the peace of Jerusalem.(Conte)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to the LORD’s house!”

Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem!

Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together,

where the tribes go up, even the LORD’s tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to the LORD’s name.

For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of David’s house.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.

Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.

For my brothers’ and companions’ sakes, I will now say, “Peace be within you.”

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.