A song for the ascent to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.
1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2 And now we are standing here inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is a well-built city, knit together as a single unit.
4 All the people of Israel--the LORD's people-- make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD as the law requires.
5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be with you."
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.
As the pilgrims were ascending to Jerusalem, they finally found themselves "standing inside" the city gates... and they were deeply moved.
The prophet Isaiah was given a vision regarding the Lord's future reign from Jerusalem;
In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship. Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Temple of the God of Israel. There he will teach us his ways, so that we may obey him." For in those days the LORD's teaching and his word will go out from Jerusalem. (2:2,3)
The Psalm continues on to instruct us to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Not only for temporal peace in our times, but the eternal peace and prosperity of God's future plans for Jerusalem and it's inhabitants.
May all who love this city prosper.
Praise You God, that You have glorious plans, too great for me to comprehend. Thank you that You are going to return to rule and reign from Jerusalem, and that we Your people will be with You!
