- By Rev. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
- Posted 11/03/2025
Come to Worship with Joy
Psalm 122
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
Psalm 122 is one of the four Songs of Ascents written by David. He composed this psalm for the people to sing as they made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
A. Coming to the House of the Lord (Psalm 122:1-2).
- Going to the House of the Lord (Psalm 122:1).
- David wrote this psalm in response to the community's invitation to go to the house of the Lord, expressing his joy at the prospect. In David’s time, there was no temple yet, but he planned and prepared for its construction (1 Chronicles 22:2-26). However, the tabernacle was in Jerusalem, making it the sacred place of the Lord’s presence. The people of Israel were required to visit Jerusalem for three major festivals each year. For many, coming to the house of the Lord may not have been a joyful priority, but for David, it was a source of great gladness.
- Arriving at the House of the Lord (Psalm 122:2).
- When the pilgrims arrived at the gates of Jerusalem, the city of the temple, they were filled with joy and gladness. Arriving at the place where the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant resided, they celebrated the completion of their journey of faith, as David’s psalm reflects.
B. Coming to the City of the Lord, Jerusalem (Psalm 122:3-9).
- Design of the City of the Lord. (Psalm 122:3-4).
- David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites, a former Canaanite stronghold. Historically, it had been a place of idolatry, but after being devoted to God, it became the city of the Lord and the joy of the whole earth. Though not large, Jerusalem was built as a city with a clear design and strong defenses, bound firmly together.
- Designation of the City of the Lord (Psalm 122:5).
- Jerusalem became even more important to David and the people of Israel because the temple—the house of the Lord—was located there. The “testimony of Israel, ” or the ark of the covenant, was placed in this house of worship. The throne and presence of God in Israel were represented by the tabernacle and, later, the temple. The purpose of pilgrimage was for the people of God to gather and give thanks for all God had done in their lives.
- Description of the City of the Lord (Psalm 122:6-9).
- There are two key aspects of Jerusalem as the City of the Lord.
- First, it was to be a city of justice and righteousness, as God’s throne was established there for just governance. David’s house was set up to carry out God’s reign over Israel, and his lineage would continue to represent God’s reign forever through the Son of David, the Messiah.
- Secondly, there was an invitation to pray for the city. The first part of this invitation is to pray for the peace of Jerusalem— whose very name means “city of peace” —even though it has often known conflict. Prayer is an expression of love, and David continued to pray for Jerusalem out of his deep affection for the city. He invited others to love Jerusalem as well, making prayer a natural response of love for the city of the Lord. Such prayers bring prosperity and peace to those who love and support Jerusalem. The invitation encourages seeking the good of Jerusalem, which represents God’s reign in the world—not a political reign but a spiritual one. The psalmist urges ongoing prayer for the city as the place of worship and God’s rule.
Conclusion
- The sanctuary and reign of God made Jerusalem the City of the Lord. David wished for peace and prayed for its well-being. Going to Jerusalem was not just a physical journey, but a joyful pilgrimage to worship the Lord. The psalmist prayed, worshipped, and sought goodness for Jerusalem.
- Today, the Church is the place of God, the city of God, where we gather with joy to worship Him. When we come together for worship, fellowship, and mission, we should express joy toward those who invite us. We are also invited to pray for the church, as it is the center of God’s reign, presence, and worship. Let us rejoice in coming to church for worship, pray for it regularly, and seek its goodness. When you go to church for worship, how do you feel?