Psalms 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Hebrew word for "peace" here actually carries a much richer meaning than just an absence of conflict; it encompasses well-being, security, and flourishing, so the prayer is for Jerusalem's complete welfare. The verse also shifts from an imperative command to pray for Jerusalem to a hopeful wish or promise for those who love her.
This psalm is sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for worship, and verse 6 is a heartfelt exhortation given as they approach the holy city. It's a call to cherish and desire peace for the place where God's presence dwells, which naturally extends to a blessing for all who love it. The psalmist then elaborates on this desire, praying for the city's internal security and prosperity, emphasizing his personal commitment out of love for his people and God's house.
When we pray for 'peace,' what are we really asking for? It’s so much more than just the absence of conflict.
The Hebrew word for 'peace,' shalom, is incredibly rich. It encompasses:
When the psalmist says 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,' he’s calling for the comprehensive flourishing and security of God’s chosen city. It’s a prayer for everything to be right, whole, and divinely blessed.
The verse links praying for Jerusalem's peace with a promise for those who love her. What's the connection?
The second half of the verse offers a beautiful promise: 'they shall be secure who love you!' This isn't just a casual observation; it's a divine principle.
Understand the original words
sha’al · Hebrew Verb
To make a solemn request or petition to God; a fundamental expression of dependence on the Creator for divine intervention and blessing.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of wholeness, harmony, welfare, and prosperity; it transcends mere absence of conflict, representing the flourishing of God's people under His presence and governance.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Noun
A city of profound theological significance, serving as the place where God chose to place His name and where the temple resided; it represents the dwelling place of God and the heart of Israel’s worship.
shalah · Hebrew Noun
A state of being safe from harm or danger; frequently used in the Psalms to describe the confidence and protection found in trusting the Lord.
This psalm was likely written during a time when Jerusalem, the holy city, was either recently established, flourishing, or facing threats. The call to pray for its peace reflects the deep connection between the city's well-being and the people's spiritual and physical security, especially given its central role in worship and governance.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David conquers Jerusalem and makes it the capital of Israel, bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the city.
c. 960 BC
Solomon Builds the First Temple
David's son, Solomon, builds the magnificent First Temple on Mount Zion, solidifying Jerusalem's religious importance.
587/586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile much of the Jewish population. This event deeply impacted Jewish identity and worship.
539 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
This passage echoes the prayer for Jerusalem's peace and prosperity, directly commanding watchmen to incessantly pray for its well-being, mirroring the sentiment of actively seeking peace for the beloved city.
John 14:27Jesus' parting words, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,' connect to the concept of 'shalom' (peace) in Psalms 122:6. This highlights that true peace, both for individuals and for the community of God's people, originates from Him.
Romans 12:18Paul urges believers to 'live peaceably with all,' a direct call to action that resonates with praying for the peace of Jerusalem. It emphasizes that actively seeking peace is a core tenet of Christian living, extending even to a specific city representing God's people.
Galatians 6:10This verse, 'So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith,' supports the idea that those who 'love' Jerusalem (representing God's people) should actively work for its good and prosperity.
ellicottPsalms 122:6: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee."
(6, 7) It is impossible in English to reproduce the effect of the original in these references to the usual greetings of the East, since at the same time they contain alliterations and a play on the name of Jerusalem. There is first the challenge to the body of pilgrims to give the customary salutation, and then it is taken up in a threefold wish, varied each time. Then follows the reason of this unanimous and h…
barnesPsalms 122:6: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee."
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem - The prosperity, the welfare of Jerusalem - for peace is everywhere the image of prosperity and happiness. Compare Psalm 51:18 . This is the language which those who were going up to the city - to the house of the Lord - addressed to each other, expressing the joyful feelings of their hearts at their own near approach to the city. It breathes the desire that all would pray for th…
The Hebrew word for "peace" here actually carries a much richer meaning than just an absence of conflict; it encompasses well-being, security, and flourishing, so the prayer is for Jerusalem's complete welfare. The verse also shifts from an imperative command to pray for Jerusalem to a hopeful wish or promise for those who love her.
This psalm is sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for worship, and verse 6 is a heartfelt exhortation given as they approach the holy city. It's a call to cherish and desire peace for the place where God's presence dwells, which naturally extends to a blessing for all who love it. The psalmist then elaborates on this desire, praying for the city's internal security and prosperity, emphasizing his personal commitment out of love for his people and God's house.
This psalm is sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for worship, and verse 6 is a heartfelt exhortation given as they approach the holy city. It's a call to cherish and desire peace for the place where God's presence dwells, which naturally extends to a blessing for all who love it. The psalmist then elaborates on this desire, praying for the city's internal security and prosperity, emphasizing his personal commitment out of love for his people and God's house.
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ahab · Hebrew Verb
An outward-looking attitude of devotion and commitment to the welfare of God's city, reflecting a heart that is aligned with God’s covenant purposes.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Consecrated
The returned exiles, after facing significant opposition, complete and consecrate the Second Temple, a symbol of restored hope and worship.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A Jewish revolt against Seleucid rule, led by the Maccabees, results in the cleansing and rededication of the Second Temple, celebrated by Hanukkah.
c. 40 BC - AD 30s— this verse
Roman Rule and Jesus' Ministry
Jerusalem is under Roman control. Jesus visits Jerusalem multiple times, teaching and prophesying about its future destruction, culminating in his crucifixion there.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!" — The Hebrew word for "peace" here actually carries a much richer meaning than just an absence of conflict; it encompasses well-being, security, and flourishing, so the prayer is for Jerusalem's comple…