Chapter Summary

Prayer for the welfare of Jerusalem.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 122

1. Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” (ESV) What is David celebrating here? How does he express his excitement?
2. What tense is verse one spoken in? What can we take away from this? How does opening with a time of remembrance shape the way we understand David’s expression in the remaining verses?
3. Psalm 122:2, “Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!” (ESV) What kind of declaration is this? What would this have meant to the listeners of that day?
4. Psalm 122:3-4, “Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.” (ESV) What kind of city do you picture with this description? What does it look like for God’s people to be “bound firmly together” in thanksgiving today?
5. How does this chapter reveal how David feels about worshipping The Lord?What can we take away from this?
6. Psalm 122:5, “There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.” (ESV) What role did the thrones of judgement play in that time? How did they act as service to The Lord? How did they reflect The Lord’s justice?
7. Psalm 122:6-7, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” (ESV) What do you take away from David’s call upon those that love Jerusalem? How can this verse influence the way we pray today?
8. How can this chapter help us address conflict and promote unity among our church community?
9. Psalm 122:8-9, “For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.” (ESV) What is David doing for their sake? What heart posture is formed when we do things for the sake of others and The Lord?
10. How does the theme of peace in this Psalm impact your walk with God? How can it shape the way we aim to bear God’s image in our day to day lives?

Key Words/Phrase

Peace of Jerusalem, v. 6.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

6