For there the thrones of judgment stand
This phrase refers to the city of Jerusalem, which was the center of judicial authority in ancient Israel. The "thrones of judgment" symbolize the seats of power where legal decisions were made. In biblical times, the king and his appointed judges would sit on these thrones to administer justice, reflecting God's law. The concept of judgment in Israel was deeply rooted in the Torah, where justice was seen as a divine mandate (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). The thrones also signify stability and the rule of law, essential for maintaining order in society. Jerusalem, as the location of these thrones, underscores its importance as the spiritual and political heart of the nation.

the thrones of the house of David
The "house of David" refers to the Davidic dynasty, established by God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This covenant promised that David's descendants would rule Israel, and it is through this lineage that the Messiah was prophesied to come. The thrones of the house of David not only represent earthly governance but also point to the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Son of David (Matthew 1:1). The Davidic throne is a type of Christ's eternal reign, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:7, where His kingdom is described as one of justice and righteousness. Historically, the Davidic kings were seen as God's representatives on earth, tasked with leading the people according to His statutes. The mention of these thrones in Psalm 122:5 highlights the enduring significance of David's lineage and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Christ.

1. Thrones of Judgment
These refer to the seats of authority where justice is administered. In ancient Israel, these thrones were symbolic of the judicial and governing power vested in the leaders.

2. House of David
This is the royal lineage of King David, from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is prophesied to come. It signifies the enduring covenant God made with David regarding his descendants.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these thrones are established, representing the center of worship and governance for Israel.

4. King David
The second king of Israel, known for uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual capital.

5. Pilgrimage Festivals
Events when Israelites traveled to Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of the city as a place of worship and justice.The Importance of Justice
God's design for leadership includes the administration of justice. Believers are called to uphold justice in their communities, reflecting God's character.

The Messianic Promise
The thrones of the house of David point to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christians can find assurance in the faithfulness of God's promises.

The Role of Jerusalem
As a historical and spiritual center, Jerusalem reminds believers of the importance of gathering for worship and the unity of God's people.

Authority and Responsibility
Those in positions of authority are accountable to God for their actions. This serves as a reminder for leaders to govern with integrity and righteousness.

Anticipation of Christ's Reign
The thrones of judgment foreshadow the perfect justice that will be established in Christ's eternal kingdom. Believers can live in hope and expectation of His return.(5) Thrones.--Jerusalem, at first a cause of wonder as a city, is now to the pilgrims a cause of admiration as the capital. The mention of the "House of David" itself disposes of the title, but does not prove that the monarchy was still in existence, since even the Sanhedrim might be said to administer justice from the throne of the house or successors of David. The administration of justice was the original and principal duty of a monarch in time of peace (1Kings 3:11, seq.). The marginal "do sit" gives the literal rendering of the Hebrew, which in this use of sit, where we should say in English stand, is exactly the provincial Scotch.

Verse 5. - For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Jerusalem was the civil, no less than the religious, center. There David judged controversies, and Absalom when he usurped the throne, and Solomon when David associated him. But the plural may be "a plural of dignity."

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there
שָׁ֨מָּה ׀ (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

the thrones
כִסְא֣וֹת (ḵis·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne

of judgment
לְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט (lə·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

stand,
יָשְׁב֣וּ (yā·šə·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

the thrones
כִּ֝סְא֗וֹת (kis·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne

of the house
לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of David.
דָּוִֽיד׃ (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse


Psalm 122:5 NIV
Psalm 122:5 NLT
Psalm 122:5 ESV
Psalm 122:5 NASB
Psalm 122:5 KJV

Psalm 122:5 BibleApps.com
Psalm 122:5 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 122:5 Chinese Bible
Psalm 122:5 French Bible
Psalm 122:5 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 122:5 For there are set thrones for judgment (Psalm Ps Psa.)