Seeking the Good of All

PSALM 122 is another song of praise on the theme of Mount Zion, site of the temple in Jerusalem. Pilgrimages to the house of the Lord were not only a regular obligation for the Israelites but joyous occasions as well. The march through the city gates and uphill to the temple complex was spiritually uplifting and communally bonding.

But one of the defining moments of this worship experience was a prayer for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6–9). This was actually an intercession for everyone involved in the life of the Holy City. It was essentially a request for God’s blessing on the decision makers in government and their policies and programs.

But the pilgrims’ concern for Jerusalem did not end with prayer. They also pledged to seek the city’s good (Psalm 122:9). This suggests that believers today do well to pray and work for the good of their own cities, in such a way as to benefit all the people of their communities. By promoting “peace be within your walls” and “prosperity within your palaces” (Psalm 122:7), God’s people will be fulfilling Paul’s admonition to “do good to all, especially {that is: not only} to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.