Psalm 122

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.’” vss. 6-7

The psalmist obviously loved the city of Jerusalem. When his family had traveled there for festivals, it was the highlight of his year, and he likely remembered every trip. Even today a visitor can sense how significant the city must have been, purely because of its geographic location in the mountains of Judea. And when the First Temple was there, towering above the city, visible from miles around, it would have a spectacular sight to the pilgrims from every part of the land. So we can understand why the psalmist made it the centerpiece of this hymn of praise. But as important as it was, Jerusalem was always at risk, and ultimately, the temples, both first and second, were completely destroyed, along with the city. But it still has significance! Visitors from all over the world come there to visit sites and buildings called holy by three great religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We yearn for the peace of Jerusalem, but contentious disputes over land make it ground zero for religious conflict and many wonder if there can ever be reconciliation. So like the psalmist we continue to pray that someday there will be peace, and that Isaiah’s vision of Jerusalem as a “house of prayer for all nations” would become a reality.

Thought for the Day: What image do I have of Jerusalem?