Psalm 122 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Psalm 122 Short Summary:

Psalm 122 is a psalm of ascent, likely sung by the Israelites as they walked up the hill to Jerusalem to gather for the feast days. The first part of the psalm celebrates the opportunity to worship the Lord at His house. The second part is an instruction for the people of Israel to pray for Jerusalem’s peace and prosperity.

Psalm 122 Summary

AUTHOR:

• King David wrote Psalm 122.

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES:

• No Known New Testament References.

THEMES:

• Joy in having the opportunity to worship the Lord.

• Prayers for peace over the city of Jerusalem.

DEFINITIONS:

• Song of Ascents (122:1) – The exact meaning of this term is debated, but many believe it was a label applied to psalms the people of Israel sang as they were travelling to Jerusalem for the holy days. Jerusalem was on the top of a hill, so the people would have physically ascended as they walked up to the city.

OUTLINE:

• LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD (122:1-9):

  • If the psalms of ascent were indeed sung as the Israelites travelled to Jerusalem for the feasts, Psalm 122 is very fitting.

  • It celebrates the city of Jerusalem and expresses pleasure at being able to go to the God’s “house” to worship the Lord.

  • Verse 4 specifically mentions God’s commands in His law for the people to assemble for worship during the prescribed holy days (feast days).

  • The people travelled from their tribal lands and assembled atop Mount Zion.

  • The second half of Psalm 122 is an instruction for the people of God to pray for the good of Jerusalem.

  • They were to pray for peace in the city because it was there that the “house of the Lord” was located, and as went Jerusalem so went the nation.

APPLICATION:

• We don’t look to Jerusalem any longer as the place of God’s presence, now His presence dwells in His Church.

• Our key concern should be the peace, health, and influence of the Church.

• The Church is the light in any community, and our prayer should be that God would strengthen it so that God will be glorified by it, and those lost in darkness will be drawn to it.