Psalms 122

1 I was glad/happy when people said to me, “We should go to the temple of Yahweh [in Jerusalem]!”

A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “We will go to the house of the Lord.”

2 And now we are here, standing inside the gates/city of [APO] Jerusalem.

Now we are standing, within your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is a city that has been rebuilt, with the result that people can gather together in it.

O Jerusalem, built close-packed, like a city without breach or gap,

4 We [people of the] tribes of Israel who belong to Yahweh can now go up there as Yahweh commanded that we should do, and we can thank him.

to you do the tribes come, the tribes of the Lord, as the law has ordained for Israel, there to give thanks to the Lord.

5 There the kings of Israel who were descendants of [King] David sit on their thrones and decide cases [fairly when the people have disputes].

There once stood thrones of justice even thrones of the household of David.

6 Pray that there will be peace in Jerusalem; I desire that those who love Jerusalem will (prosper/live peacefully).

Pray that all may be well with Jerusalem, and well with those who love you,

7 I desire that there will be peace inside the walls of the city and that [people who are] inside the palaces will be safe.

well within your ramparts, and well within your palaces.

8 For the sake of my relatives and friends, I say, “My desire is that that inside Jerusalem [people will live] peacefully.”

For the sake of my brethren and friends, I will wish you now prosperity:

9 And because I love the temple of Yahweh our God, I pray that things will go well for the people who live [in Jerusalem].

for the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.