PSALM CXXII _The satisfaction of a gracious soul in the use of God's_ _ordinances_, 1, 2. _Description of the internal government of Jerusalem_, 3-5. _Prayers for its peace and prosperity_, 6-9. NOTES ON PSALM CXXII In the preceding Psalms we find the poor captives crying to God for deliveranc... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:2. _OUR FEET SHALL STAND_] For _seventy_ years we have been exiled from our own land; our _heart_ was in Jerusalem, but our _feet_ were in Chaldea. Now God has turned our captivity, and our feet shall shortly stand _within the gates of Jerusalem_. What a transition from misery to ha... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:3. _JERUSALEM - COMPACT TOGETHER._] It is now well rebuilt, every part contributing to the strength of the whole. It is also a state of great political and spiritual union. It is the _centre_ of union to all the tribes, for each tribe has an equal interest in that God who is worship... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:4. _THE TESTIMONY OF ISRAEL_] There is the _ark_, where the presence of God is manifested; there is the holy of holies; and there all the tribes assembled to worship Jehovah. He no doubt alludes to the assembling of the tribes _annually_ at each of the _three_ grand national festiva... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:5. _THERE ARE SET THRONES OF JUDGMENT_] There were the _public courts_, and thither the people went to obtain justice; and while the _thrones of the house of David_ were there, they had justice.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:6. _PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM_] שלום _shalom_ signifies both _peace_ and _prosperity_. Let her _unanimity_ never be _disturbed_; let her _prosperity_ ever be on the _increase_! _THEY SHALL PROSPER THAT LOVE THEE._] In the peace and prosperity of the city, they shall find thei... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:7. _PEACE BE WITHIN THY WALLS_] This is the _form of prayer_ that they are to use: "May _prosperity_ ever reside within thy walls, on all the people that dwell there; and tranquillity within thy palaces or high places, among the _rulers_ and _governors_ of the people.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:8. _FOR ANY BRETHREN AND COMPANIONS' SAKES_] Because this city is the abode of my kinsfolk and countrymen, I will wish it prosperity. I will promote its peace and tranquillity by all means in my power. I will affectionately say, _May peace be within thee_!... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 122:9. _BECAUSE OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD OUR GOD_] Particularly will I wish thee well, because thou art the _seat of religion_, the place where our merciful God has condescended to dwell. To the captives in Babylon the Prophet _Jeremiah_ had given this charge, Jeremiah 29:7: "And seek... [ Continue Reading ]