Psalms
Chapter 122
This is a song for people traveling up to Jerusalem for worship. The singer is glad to go to the temple, and stands at last inside the city gates. He describes Jerusalem as a tight-built city where the tribes gather to thank God, and where the kings of David's family judge. He ends by asking for peace inside its walls, for the sake of his friends and of God's house.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
1I was happy when people said to me, "Let's go to the LORD's house."
2Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
2Now our feet are standing inside your gates, Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:
3Jerusalem is built as a city packed closely together.
4Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.
4That is where the tribes go up, the tribes that belong to the LORD. It is a rule for Israel, so they can give thanks to the LORD's name.
"The testimony of Israel" means the rule or command God gave Israel: the tribes were told to come to this place.
5For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
5There the seats of the judges are set in place, the thrones of David's family.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
6Pray for peace in Jerusalem. Say, "May everyone who loves you do well."
7Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
7"May there be peace inside your walls, and safety and plenty inside your strong buildings."
"Prosperity" here means being safe and having enough, not being rich.
8For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
8For my brothers and my friends, I will say, "May you have peace."
9Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
9Because the house of the LORD our God is here, I will work for your good.
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