What does "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" mean for Christians today? Setting the scene • Psalm 122 is a “Song of Ascents,” sung by pilgrims heading up to Jerusalem for the great feasts. • David rejoices that the worshipers “stand within your gates, O Jerusalem” (v. 2). In that context comes the call: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you prosper’ ” (Psalm 122:6). Understanding Psalm 122:6 • “Pray” – an imperative; ongoing, intentional intercession. • “Peace” – Hebrew shalom: safety, wholeness, flourishing. • “Jerusalem” – literally the city, not a vague symbol. • Promise attached: those who love and pray for the city will “prosper” (be secure, at ease). Why Jerusalem still matters • God chose it as His earthly dwelling (1 Kings 11:36; Psalm 132:13). • It is the city of the great King (Psalm 48:1–2; Matthew 5:35). • Prophets foretell a future when nations stream to Jerusalem to learn God’s ways (Isaiah 2:2–3). • Messiah died and rose there, and Scripture places His return there (Zechariah 14:4). • Paul affirms God has not rejected Israel (Romans 11:1, 29). What “peace” really means • Physical calm—an end to war, terror, and hostility (Psalm 122:7). • Political stability—wise leadership that allows righteousness to flourish (Proverbs 11:11). • Social wholeness—prosperity, justice, and harmony among all who live there (Jeremiah 29:7). • Spiritual restoration—eyes opened to recognize Jesus as Messiah (Romans 10:1; Isaiah 53). • Ultimate fulfillment—Jesus Himself is “our peace” (Ephesians 2:14), culminating in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). How Christians today obey the call • Pray regularly for the protection of Jerusalem’s residents—Jewish and Arab alike. • Ask God to restrain violence and expose plots of terror before they succeed. • Intercede for Israel’s leaders to govern with discernment (1 Timothy 2:1–2). • Seek the spiritual peace found only in Christ—salvation for the Jewish people and for all who dwell in the land. • Support ministries that bring humanitarian aid and the gospel in word and deed (Romans 15:27). • Stand against anti-Semitism in any form, reflecting God’s heart for His covenant people. Wider biblical encouragement to pray for Israel • Genesis 12:3—“I will bless those who bless you...” • Isaiah 62:6–7—watchmen who “give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem.” • Zechariah 2:10–12—nations joined to the LORD as He again chooses Jerusalem. • Romans 9–11—God’s irrevocable promises and the future “life from the dead” (11:15) linked to Israel’s acceptance of Messiah. Blessings tied to praying for Jerusalem • Personal blessing: “Those who love you prosper” (Psalm 122:6). • Expanded blessing: families and nations that bless Abraham’s offspring are blessed in return (Genesis 12:3). • Spiritual enrichment: as Gentile believers pray for Israel, we remember our own grafting into the olive tree (Romans 11:17–18), deepening gratitude for grace. Looking ahead to ultimate peace • Earthly prayers hasten the day when “He will judge between the nations... they will beat their swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4). • Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will reign from Jerusalem, and “the zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6–7). • The New Jerusalem will descend, erasing sorrow and death forever (Revelation 21:2–4). Until that day, the simple, enduring directive remains: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” |
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