I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." I rejoicedThe Hebrew word for "rejoiced" is שָׂמַח (samach), which conveys a deep sense of joy and gladness. This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound, spiritual elation that comes from a heart aligned with God's purposes. In the context of ancient Israel, joy was often associated with worship and communal gatherings, reflecting a collective celebration of God's faithfulness. The psalmist's joy is rooted in the anticipation of worship and fellowship with the community of believers, a theme that resonates with the Christian understanding of joy as a fruit of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:22). with those who said to me
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of worship in ancient Israel. The psalmist is not alone in his journey; he is accompanied by fellow believers who share the same desire to worship God. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on community and collective worship, which is evident in the pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the feasts. This communal encouragement is a reminder of the importance of fellowship in the Christian faith, where believers are called to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). “Let us go
The invitation "Let us go" signifies a call to action and movement towards a sacred purpose. The Hebrew verb לֵךְ (lek) implies a journey or pilgrimage, often used in the context of traveling to a holy place. This call to go is not just physical but spiritual, representing a deliberate decision to seek God's presence. For Christians, this echoes the call to discipleship, where Jesus invites His followers to "come" and "follow" Him (Matthew 4:19), emphasizing the active pursuit of a relationship with God. to the house of the LORD.”
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. In Hebrew, the term בֵּית יְהוָה (beit Yahweh) denotes not just a physical structure but the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The temple was a symbol of God's covenant and faithfulness, where sacrifices and offerings were made, and where the community gathered to worship. For Christians, this concept is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the true temple (John 2:19-21), and in the church, which is described as the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). The longing to go to the house of the LORD reflects a deep desire to be in God's presence, a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 122, King David expresses joy and anticipation in going to the house of the LORD, reflecting his deep devotion and love for worship. 2. House of the LORDRefers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. 3. Pilgrimage FestivalsThe context of this psalm is often associated with the pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles) when Israelites traveled to Jerusalem to worship. Teaching Points Joy in WorshipThe psalmist's gladness in going to the house of the LORD challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards worship. Do we approach it with joy and anticipation? Community in WorshipThe phrase "Let us go" emphasizes the communal aspect of worship. Worship is not just a personal experience but a shared journey with fellow believers. The Presence of GodThe house of the LORD symbolizes God's presence. Today, we can experience His presence not only in church buildings but wherever believers gather in His name. Pilgrimage of the HeartWhile the physical journey to the temple was significant, our spiritual journey towards God is of utmost importance. Are we making strides in our spiritual walk? Anticipation of Eternal WorshipThis psalm can also remind us of the ultimate joy and anticipation of worshiping God eternally in His heavenly kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the joy expressed in Psalm 122:1 challenge your current attitude towards attending church or worship gatherings? 2. In what ways can you cultivate a sense of anticipation and gladness in your heart as you prepare for worship each week? 3. How does the communal aspect of worship, as seen in "Let us go," influence your understanding of the church as a community? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the presence of God in a powerful way during worship. How did it impact your faith journey? 5. How can the anticipation of eternal worship in heaven shape the way you approach worship here on earth? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 84This psalm also expresses a deep longing and joy for being in the courts of the LORD, emphasizing the blessedness of dwelling in God's presence. Hebrews 10:25Encourages believers not to forsake assembling together, highlighting the importance of communal worship, similar to the joy expressed in Psalm 122:1. Isaiah 2:3Speaks of many peoples going to the mountain of the LORD, reflecting the universal call to worship and the joy of being in God's presence. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Ascents, David, Degrees, Glad, Gt, Let's, Lt, Rejoiced, Saying, SongDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 122:1 5478 property, houses
7032 unity, God's people
8287 joy, experience
8297 love, for God Psalm 122: 7963 song Psalm 122:1-4 5442 pilgrimage Psalm 122:1-9 1680 types Library August the Eighteenth the Church of the Firstborn
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." --PSALM cxxii. And my Jerusalem is "the church of the living God." Do I carry her on my heart? Do I praise God for her heritage, and for her endowment of spiritual glory? And do I remember her perils, especially those parts of her walls where the defences are very thin, and can be easily broken through? Yes, has my Church any place in my prayer, or am I robbing her of part of her intended possessions? And is the entire Jerusalem the subject of my supplication? …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearReligious Patriotism.
"Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity in itself. . . . O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes I will wish thee prosperity. Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek to do thee good."--PSALM cxxii. 3, 6-9. As we draw near to the end of our summer term, when so many are about to take leave of their school life, there is sure to rise up in …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby For the Peace and Prosperity of the Church. --Ps. cxxii.
For the Peace and Prosperity of the Church.--Ps. cxxii. Glad was my heart to hear My old companions say, Come,--in the House of God appear, For 'tis an holy day. Our willing feet shall stand Within the temple-door, While young and old in many a band Shall throng the sacred floor. Thither the tribes repair, Where all are wont to meet, And joyful in the House of Prayer Bend at the Mercy-seat. Pray for Jerusalem, The city of our God; The Lord from Heaven be kind to them That love the dear abode. …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Ps. cxxii. 7-9.
Ps. cxxii. 7-9. God in his temple let us meet: Low on our knees before Him bend, Here hath He fix'd his Mercy-seat, Here on his worship we attend. Arise into thy resting-place, Thou, and thine ark of strength, O Lord! Shine through the veil, we seek Thy face; Speak, for we hearken to Thy word. With righteousness Thy priests array; Joyful Thy chosen people be; Let those who teach, and hear, and pray, Let all be Holiness to Thee! …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns O 'twas a Joyful Sound to Hear
[1178]Mt. Sion: Horatio Parker, 1888 Psalm 122 Tate and Brady, 1698 DOXOLOGY O 'twas a joyful sound to hear Our tribes devoutly say, Up, Israel! to the temple haste, And keep your festal day. At Salem's courts we must appear, With our assembled powers, In strong and beauteous order ranged, Like her united towers. O ever pray for Salem's peace; For they shall prosperous be, Thou holy city of our God, Who bear true love to thee. May peace within thy sacred walls A constant guest be found; With …
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 122:1 NIVPsalm 122:1 NLTPsalm 122:1 ESVPsalm 122:1 NASBPsalm 122:1 KJV
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