Psalm 122

In this psalm, it appears that we can only get specific imagery concerning Israelites and how they viewed Jerusalem.  As these songs of ascents were used during the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, it makes me wonder: what does it matter to us today?  We know this was the holy city, regarded as from where Israel’s kings ruled and also the new Jerusalem will be the site of God’s throne when Jesus returns and God reigns over all of earth in the finality of Armageddon.  But right now, we are in between.  In fact, Jerusalem is the center of much strife, turmoil, and conflict, as the three major religions of the world consider it the central city of their faith.  So why should we pay much attention to Psalm 122 when it seems to not apply?

When I read through the Old Testament, one of the things I try to consider is that which is represented in the physical realm is simply imagery for what happens in the spiritual realm.  There is a concept that you may have heard of before that talks about the throne in our heart…who do you have placed there?  Who is the king you serve from the heart?  We get this concept from a collection of bible verses: 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 3:17, and Colossians 3:15.  So, keeping this in mind, that our heart is the throne, then Jerusalem could be our soul.  Since we no longer have to go to a physical city to commune with God, because He resides within us (i.e., our heart) then let us read this psalm through this filter.

All who have recognized Jesus as their Lord and God have access to the throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:16).  This is not just a doctrinal statement that we can ask for forgiveness whenever we need it, that is, instead of having to hike to the temple with an unblemished animal for it to be sacrificed for our forgiveness.  It is more of a reminder that we have continual access to God!

The psalmist continues to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  Hebrews 4:1-15 talks of this peace and rest in the Lord, so that we may prosper.  Keep in mind, these are spiritual concepts!  The original Hebrew word that is translated into “prosper” isn’t talking about material wealth, but peace and ease of mind.  This means that even when the world is coming against us, we can still feel safe and under God’s protection…we have nothing to worry about!  Zion, or the City of David, where the temple mount was located, was a citadel, a strong fortress of a city, much like we would picture.  It was built as the resting place of God where He dwelt among the people in the temple.  This is now akin to the innermost parts of our hearts.  So, when we see references to peace, rest, and prosperity, it is due to the peace and assurance that the Holy Spirit is residing within us.

This is our hope, our prize, our confidence! When our spiritual enemies come against us, because of God, our heart and soul are a fortress.  As Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, you are a city on a hill.  This is the imagery that He used, which His audience understood.  And as such, He encouraged them and us to let our light shine before others so that God would be glorified by our resilience and peace despite those who come to attack us.  To conclude today, I want to share with you a quote from Wiersbe’s thoughts on this:

“ But there is an application to believers today, for we are God’s people, citizens of the heavenly country, and we must pray for one another and for the ministry of the churches. We belong to each other, we need each other, and we must help each other. We must pray for peace within and among the churches. We must pray for the needs of “our brothers and friends,” and surely we must pray for the lost.”

Excerpt From
Be Exultant (Psalms 90-150)
Warren W. Wiersbe