Psalm 122 1

Psalm 122:1 kjv

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Psalm 122:1 nkjv

A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."

Psalm 122:1 niv

A song of ascents. Of David. I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."

Psalm 122:1 esv

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"

Psalm 122:1 nlt

I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."

Psalm 122 verses

Psalm 122 1 Meaning

Psalm 122:1 captures the profound joy and enthusiasm of a pilgrim receiving the invitation to go to the Lord's house, the Temple in Jerusalem. It expresses a shared excitement among God's people at the prospect of communal worship and experiencing the divine presence in His chosen dwelling place. This verse establishes the spiritual longing and willing ascent that characterize the pilgrimage to the holy city.

Psalm 122 1 Context

Psalm 122 is part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling "up" to Jerusalem for the three annual feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Sukkot). These were not just physical journeys but spiritual ascents to the very heart of Israel's worship and national life. The context reveals a deep cultural and religious practice where communal pilgrimage to Jerusalem was a highlight of the year. This specific psalm, attributed to David, captures the jubilant emotions of arriving at or anticipating the journey to the sacred city. It reflects the significance of Jerusalem as the chosen dwelling place of God's Name, a center for worship, justice, and national unity. The joy expressed contrasts with any thought of burdensome obligation, emphasizing the sheer delight in worshipping God corporately at His designated house.

Psalm 122 1 Word analysis

• I was glad:

  • Hebrew: Samach (שָׂמַח). This verb conveys deep, hearty joy, delight, and rejoicing.
  • It describes an internal, genuine happiness, not merely a fleeting or external emotion.
  • The psalmist's joy arises precisely from the invitation, indicating a prior longing or readiness of spirit.
  • Signifies a joyful readiness to worship and be present in God's appointed place.

• when they said to me:

  • Hebrew: amar (אָמַר), meaning "to say" or "to speak."
  • "They" refers to fellow pilgrims, family members, or the wider community within the Israelite congregation.
  • Highlights the communal aspect of worship and the shared spiritual journey. The joy is sparked by a collective proposal or decision.
  • It shows the interconnectedness of faith; individual joy is often stimulated and amplified by the community's call to worship.

• Let us go:

  • Hebrew: naleka (נֵלֵכָה), a cohortative form of halakh (הָלַךְ), "to go," which expresses a strong suggestion, invitation, or mutual resolve. It implies "we shall go" or "let's go together."
  • This is an active and willing response, not a passive acceptance. It indicates a readiness for physical movement towards the spiritual goal.
  • Emphasizes corporate action and a unified desire to approach God's presence.
  • The pilgrim community extends an open, shared invitation.

• to the house of the Lord!

  • Hebrew: Bet Yahweh (בֵּית יְהוָה). "House of Yahweh."
  • This directly refers to the Temple in Jerusalem (first Solomon's Temple, later the rebuilt Temple), the central and divinely designated place for Israelite worship.
  • It was where the ark of the covenant resided (originally), sacrifices were offered, and God's glory manifested among His people.
  • Represents God's immediate presence, His covenant fidelity, and the focal point of national unity and identity.
  • The exclamation (in many translations) captures the reverence and eagerness associated with approaching this sacred space.
  • This phrase subtly distinguishes proper worship at the unique Temple from unauthorized or idolatrous practices at local high places.

• Words-group Analysis: "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go...'"

  • This phrase portrays the reciprocal joy between the individual and the community. The personal gladness ("I was glad") is ignited by the communal invitation ("they said to me, 'Let us go'"), creating a dynamic synergy for worship.
  • It embodies the essence of shared faith, where individual desire for God's presence is validated and spurred by corporate intent, reinforcing the social nature of true worship.

Psalm 122 1 Bonus section

The "Songs of Ascents" are notable for their progressive nature, moving from hardship (Psa 120) to the joy of reaching Jerusalem (Psa 122) and beyond to blessings. Psalm 122:1 thus serves as an emotional crescendo for the pilgrim, encapsulating the culmination of their hopes. The communal invitation ("they said to me, 'Let us go'") reflects the strong emphasis on corporate worship in Israel. Worship was not merely a private affair but a collective expression of faith, reinforcing tribal unity under God. The "house of the Lord" became the symbolic nexus of the nation—religious, legal, and governmental—making the journey there an act of civic and spiritual identity. This concept also serves as a type, or foreshadowing, of the ultimate gathering of God's people in the New Testament Church and, ultimately, in the heavenly New Jerusalem, where God truly dwells among His redeemed.

Psalm 122 1 Commentary

Psalm 122:1 sets a vibrant tone for the pilgrim's journey, illustrating that going to God's house is not a duty begrudgingly fulfilled but a source of deep, communal joy. The psalmist's "gladness" stems from a longing for the Divine Presence and the fellowship of believers in a unified act of worship at Jerusalem. This verse captures the very spirit of biblical pilgrimage—anticipation, shared purpose, and devotion. It transcends mere physical travel, pointing to a spiritual yearning to draw near to God and His people in His appointed sanctuary. For believers today, this mirrors the spiritual delight in assembling with the church, recognizing it as God's spiritual household where His presence dwells and where believers find unity and purpose.

• Example: A local church experiencing a renewed sense of purpose and attendance, as members enthusiastically invite others and collectively anticipate gatherings for worship and fellowship.
• Example: Individuals expressing eagerness for mission trips or prayer meetings, driven by a genuine desire to seek God's will and experience His presence together.