The phrase "they shall prosper" doesn't just mean "they will succeed" in a general sense. It actually carries a deeper meaning of finding security, quietness, and rest – a tranquil well-being rooted in their love for God's dwelling place.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a song of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship. As they approach the city, they express joy and a deep longing for its well-being. The verses immediately following this one further elaborate on this wish, calling for security and prosperity within Jerusalem's walls, motivated by love for fellow Israelites and for God's house.
Why does the Bible tell us to pray for a specific city? It’s more than just a request; it's about understanding what 'peace' truly means.
The Hebrew word for 'peace,' shalom, is incredibly rich. It doesn't just mean the absence of conflict.
More Than Just No Fighting
When the psalm asks us to pray for the 'peace of Jerusalem,' it's a call to desire and seek God's fullness, security, and prosperity for His chosen city, the place where He chose to dwell.
There's a direct link made between loving God and experiencing peace. What does that connection look like in our lives?
The second part of the verse, 'they shall prosper who love you,' isn't just a reward; it's a natural consequence.
The Security of Love
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To love Jerusalem is to love God's presence and His people. And in that love, we find a secure and flourishing life.
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.
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.
cheylah · Hebrew Noun
Physical fortifications protecting a city; metaphorically, they represent the boundaries and defenses established by God for the preservation and protection of His people.
armon · Hebrew Noun
High, defensive structures used for observation and protection; they represent the vigilant oversight and fortified security that God provides.
ach · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant community of faith, emphasizing the relational bond among the people of God; it highlights unity and mutual care.
rea' · Hebrew Noun
Associates or partners who walk together in a common journey or purpose; it implies a shared life and shared interests in the community.
bayit YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The temple or the sanctuary, which serves as the tangible center of God’s manifestation and the focal point of divine worship and covenant intimacy.
tob · Hebrew Noun
A state of moral goodness, prosperity, or welfare; it encompasses both the absence of evil and the presence of God’s favor and blessing upon a people or place.
Psalm 122 is a song of ascents, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. The call to 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem' resonates deeply during times of political instability and foreign occupation, urging a concern for the city's welfare that is tied to God's presence and promises.
~1004 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
King David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as the capital of Israel, bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the city.
~966 BC
Solomon Builds the First Temple
King Solomon builds the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem, solidifying its status as the religious and political heart of Israel.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and deport a significant portion of the population to Babylon.
538 BC
Cyrus Decree for Return
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple.
~516 BC
Second Temple Completed
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed, marking a return of worship and a symbol of hope for the returned exiles.
c. 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD— this verse
Hellenistic and Roman Rule
Jerusalem comes under Hellenistic (Seleucid) and later Roman rule, periods often marked by political tension, foreign influence, and intermittent conflict.
This passage echoes the prayer for Jerusalem's peace, directly calling for intercessors and offering a vision of its lasting security and glory, much like the Psalmist's plea for prosperity within its walls.
Romans 8:28This verse speaks to the overarching promise that God works all things for good for those who love Him, mirroring the Psalm's assurance that those who love Jerusalem will indeed prosper.
Jeremiah 29:7Similar to praying for Jerusalem's peace, Jeremiah instructs the exiles to seek the welfare of Babylon, highlighting that the well-being of the place where God has placed His people is tied to their own flourishing and that of their community.
1 Timothy 2:1-2This passage commands prayers for all in authority, connecting the peace and well-being of the community to righteous living, much like the Psalmist's prayer for peace within Jerusalem's walls and for its leaders.
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 phrase "they shall prosper" doesn't just mean "they will succeed" in a general sense. It actually carries a deeper meaning of finding security, quietness, and rest – a tranquil well-being rooted in their love for God's dwelling place.
This psalm is a song of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship. As they approach the city, they express joy and a deep longing for its well-being. The verses immediately following this one further elaborate on this wish, calling for security and prosperity within Jerusalem's walls, motivated by love for fellow Israelites and for God's house.
This psalm is a song of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship. As they approach the city, they express joy and a deep longing for its well-being. The verses immediately following this one further elaborate on this wish, calling for security and prosperity within Jerusalem's walls, motivated by love for fellow Israelites and for God's house.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of…" — The phrase "they shall prosper" doesn't just mean "they will succeed" in a general sense. It actually carries a deeper meaning of finding security, quietness, and rest – a tranquil well-being rooted…
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Last reviewed October 2026
