Overview
(EBC) the Songs of Zion proclaim the glories of Zion in universal and eschatological terms...the focus of Zion as the goal of the pilgrimage (vv. 1–2) to the eschatological vision of Zion as the center of God’s judgment and peace (vv. 5–9). The worshipers are hereby continually encouraged to pray for the welfare of Jerusalem
A. The Pilgrim’s Joy (vv. 1–2)
B. The Pilgrim’s Praise (vv. 3–5)
C. The Pilgrim’s Prayer (vv. 6–9)
1. Repeated theme
house: The relationship between the house (temple) of the LORD v.1, and the house of David v.5, for the sake of the house (temple) of the LORD our God I will pray for you to prosper.
Basically, the house of David rules in the house of God and therefore God is our God.
Jerusalem: when the psalmist here people going there he was glad v.1, it is a gathering place for all the tribes v.3, the tribes go up there to give thanks to God and to listen to judgment v.4-5.
Jerusalem will be the focal point for worship and for judgment
Peace: v.6, 7, 8 Pray for peace
Since it is so important pray for her peace
2. The joy in v.1-2
(EBC) The pilgrimages were held only three times in the year, during the great feasts of Passover, Firstfruits, and Booths. These feasts held a special redemptive-historical significance, as they commemorated God’s goodness in the Exodus, the Conquest, and his continual care throughout the history of Israel...His rejoicing goes over into praise, his praise into hope, and his hope into a prayer for the prosperity of God’s kingship on earth, blessing his people with his presence (vv. 3–9).
3. The Praise v.3-5
(EBC) The unity of the city reflected the unity of the tribes on these special occasions. The Israelite tribes came together for the purpose of praising the “the name of the LORD”...The kings of Judah ruled by divine right. They upheld God’s kingship to the extent that they were faithful in dispensing justice (for “justice” as a characteristic of the messianic era, see Isa 9:7; 11:3–5).
4. The Prayer v.6-9
(EBC) Justice and peace belong together, as two expressions of the Davidic rule (Isa 9:7). Whether the present era was marked by adversity or not, the psalmist longs for “the peace of Jerusalem” (v. 6). The city whose name has a popular etymology of “city of peace” did not always experience peace; nor did she provide “security” (v. 7) to her population.
Conclusion: In the messianic age or when the "ideal Jerusalem" comes people at that age go up to Jerusalem to commemorate God's salvation. We will rejoice with thanksgiving when we look back. Also we will enjoy the perfect justice when the thrones of the house of David is inside the house of God. Or when the Messiah rules with justice. However, the ideal has not come yet. We have not experience it yet so we pray for this.
Reflection: What is unfulfilling now should not be forgotten or being a reason for our disappointment. Instead the psalmist encourages me to pray for it. For the sake of the people and for the sake of the original design by God we should all pray for the kingdom of God's coming on earth.
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