Bible Commentaries
Psalms 122

Verse 1

Title. A Song. Hebrew. shir. See note on Title of Psalms 120:1 , and App-65 .

of degrees = of the degrees (with article), as on Title of Psalms 120:1 . See App-67 , and note on p. 827.

of David = by David. A Psalm which Hezekiah found ready to his hand. Some codices, with Aram, and Syriac, omit "of David".

the house of the LORD. Hebrew. the house of Jehovah ( App-4 ). This was Hezekiah's constant care, desire, and thought. It filled his heart. He began his reign by "opening its doors" and cleansing it. See 2 Chronicles 29-31, where it is mentioned seventeen times. He spread Sennacherib's letter before Jehovah there (Isaiah 37:14 ). In his mortal sickness his prayer and its answer related to it (2 Kings 20:5 ). The "sign" he asked related to it (2 Kings 20:8 . Isaiah 38:22 ). His songs were to be sung there (Isaiah 38:20 ). See App-67 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 2

shall stand = have stood [and shall still stand. ] The reference is to the Passover, which had been kept for "all Israel". See App-67 .

Jerusalem. Note the Figure of speech Anadiplosis ( App-6 ), the word being repeated at the beginning of the next verse.

compact = coupled together (as by a bridge), as Moriah was joined with Zion by the Millo. See note on 1Ki 9:15 ; 2 Kings 12:20 , and App-68 .

Verse 4

go up . See App-68 "Zion".

THE LORD . Hebrew Jah. App-4 .

testimony: the Ark of Jehovah.

name. See note on Psalms 20:1 .

Verse 5

thrones. Plural of Majesty = the great Throne.

Verse 6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Figure of speech Paronomasia ( App-6 ), sha'alu shelom yerushalam yishlayu. See App-67 .

Verse 7

Peace be within. Figure of speech Epanadiplosis ( App-6 ), uniting Psalms 122:7 and Psalms 122:8 by beginning and ending with the same words.

Verse 8

say = speak [saying],

Verse 9

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .