Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Our feetThe phrase "Our feet" signifies a collective journey and shared experience among the people of God. In the Hebrew context, feet often symbolize movement, pilgrimage, and the act of walking in the ways of the Lord. The Hebrew word for feet, "regel," is frequently used in the Old Testament to denote the physical act of moving towards a sacred destination, such as Jerusalem. This phrase invites believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and the paths they tread in their walk with God. It emphasizes unity and community, as the journey is not undertaken alone but with fellow believers. are standing
The phrase "are standing" conveys a sense of arrival, stability, and readiness. In the Hebrew, the verb "amad" is used, which means to stand, remain, or endure. This suggests a transition from movement to a state of being firmly established. Spiritually, it implies that the believers have reached a place of spiritual significance and are now poised to worship and serve. It reflects a moment of pause and reflection, where one can appreciate the journey and prepare for the worship and blessings that lie ahead. in your gates
"In your gates" refers to the entry points of Jerusalem, the holy city. Gates in ancient times were not only physical structures but also places of gathering, judgment, and decision-making. The Hebrew word "sha'ar" denotes these significant entryways. Spiritually, gates symbolize access to God's presence and the community of believers. They represent the threshold between the secular and the sacred, where one transitions from the ordinary world into a place of divine encounter. This phrase invites believers to consider the importance of entering into God's presence with reverence and anticipation. O Jerusalem
"O Jerusalem" is a direct address to the city that holds profound spiritual and historical significance for the people of Israel. Jerusalem, or "Yerushalayim" in Hebrew, is often seen as the heart of Jewish worship and the center of God's covenant with His people. It is the city where the Temple stood, the place of God's dwelling among His people. For Christians, Jerusalem also holds significance as the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. This phrase evokes a deep longing and reverence for the city that represents God's promises, His presence, and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan. It calls believers to remember the spiritual heritage and future hope that Jerusalem embodies. Persons / Places / Events 1. JerusalemThe central city of worship for the Israelites, Jerusalem is often seen as a symbol of God's presence and the spiritual center for the Jewish people. It is the location of the Temple, where God's people would gather for worship and festivals. 2. PilgrimsThe psalm is a Song of Ascents, traditionally sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the three major Jewish festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. 3. DavidTraditionally attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his deep love for Jerusalem and his desire for the unity and peace of God's people. Teaching Points The Significance of JerusalemJerusalem is not just a physical location but a symbol of God's dwelling place among His people. It represents the unity and peace that come from being in God's presence. Spiritual PilgrimageJust as the Israelites journeyed to Jerusalem, Christians are on a spiritual pilgrimage toward the heavenly Jerusalem. This journey requires faith, perseverance, and a focus on God's promises. Standing Firm in FaithThe phrase "our feet are standing" suggests stability and confidence. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, rooted in the truth of God's Word and His promises. Unity Among BelieversThe gathering in Jerusalem was a time of unity for the tribes of Israel. Similarly, Christians are called to unity in Christ, setting aside differences to worship and serve together. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Jerusalem symbolize in the context of Psalm 122:2, and how does this symbolism apply to the church today? 2. How can the concept of a spiritual pilgrimage influence your daily walk with Christ? 3. In what ways can you "stand firm" in your faith amidst the challenges of modern life? 4. How does the unity of the tribes of Israel in Jerusalem inspire you to seek unity within your own church community? 5. Reflect on the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. How does this future hope impact your perspective on current struggles and challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 48This psalm also celebrates the beauty and significance of Jerusalem, describing it as the city of the Great King, which ties into the reverence and awe expressed in Psalm 122:2. Hebrews 12:22This New Testament passage speaks of the "heavenly Jerusalem," drawing a spiritual parallel to the earthly city and emphasizing the eternal significance of God's kingdom. Revelation 21:2The vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven connects to the hope and future fulfillment of God's promises, which the earthly Jerusalem foreshadows. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Doors, Gates, Inside, Jerusalem, O, Stand, Standing, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 122:2 5323 gate 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 122:2 NIVPsalm 122:2 NLTPsalm 122:2 ESVPsalm 122:2 NASBPsalm 122:2 KJV
Psalm 122:2 Commentaries
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