Psalms 122

1 I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.

A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. I was so happy when they said to me, “Let's go the house of the Lord.”

2 Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem.

Now we're standing inside your gates, Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.

Jerusalem is built as a city where people can be together.

4 For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.

All the tribes—the tribes of the Lord—go up there, following the command given to Israel to give thanks to the Lord.

5 Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.

This is where the thrones are placed, where judgment is given, the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.

Pray that Jerusalem may be at peace. May everyone who loves Jerusalem be kept safe.

7 Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.

May there be peace within your walls, and safety within your fortresses.

8 For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, I spoke peace of thee.

On behalf of my family and friends, I will now say, “May you be at peace.”

9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for thee.

On behalf of the house of the Lord our God, I pray that everything goes well for you.