Psalm 122:1-9; 123:1-4
Q.1. What made Jerusalem such a significant city? Why were the worshipers excited to go there? What was promised to those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem? – (Psalm 122:1-9)
Jerusalem was a compact and defendable citadel which David claimed as his capital city (see Ps.122:3 c.f. 2 Sam.5:6-9) – 1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, His holy mountain. 2 Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great King (Ps.48:1-2). Most significant of all was the fact that it was the location for – the house of the Lord our God (Ps.122:1 & 9). It was the designated place where God would presence Himself among His people, and the place to which the tribes were to travel to celebrate the great festivals of Israel. Why should we pray for the peace of Jerusalem? Jerusalem has arguably experienced more turbulence than any other place on earth. However, our eternal peace is wrapped up with her peace, and our welfare with her welfare. This will not become a reality until after the Great Tribulation, when the Lord will reign as King from Mount Zion over all the earth. The previous Psalm has many specific promises that can guide us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (see Ps.1211-8; Rom.9:1-5; 10:1; 11:25-32).
Q.2. Was Israel’s worship confined to a place? How attentive should we be to God? What was the Psalmist’s prayer to God? – (Psalm 123:1-4)
As the pilgrims travelled up to Jerusalem, they were not just focusing upon Mount Zion. They looked way beyond Jerusalem to God – 1 To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us (Ps.123:1-2). Our desire to live a life that is pleasing to God is beautifully captured by the watchfulness of a servant and maid. There is no less anti-Semitism today even as Israel has felt the contempt and ridicule of the surrounding nations (see Ps.123:3-4). Nothing has changed for the people of God. Even in peaceful countries, there is often scorn and derision for true believers in Jesus.