Lesson 1: Psalm 122

Temple – Lesson 5 – Psalm 122.  This lesson discusses the special relationship that the people of Israel have with Jerusalem.   This is shown in the structure:  1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 where after the introduction in verse 1, each of the four standzas show a dual relationship between two lovers: the pilgrims and the city.

Yehuda's translation is given below:

Psalm 122

A song of Ascents of David.

1 I was glad/happy/joyful when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of Hashem."

2 Our feet are/were standing within your gates, O Jerusalem,

3 Jerusalem built is like a city that is united together;

4 For the tribes when up there, the tribes of Yah to up, a testimony to Israel, to give thanks to the name of Hashem

5 For there they sat on thrones for judgement, the thrones of the House of David.

6 Request the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you.

7 May there be peace within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.

8 For my brother's and companion's sake may I now say "May peace be within you"

9 For the sake of the house of Hashem, I will seek your good.