Psalm 122: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 122 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist expresses gladness at the invitation to go to Yahweh’s house (v. 1). He stands within the gates of Jerusalem, a city that is organized and united (vv.

Key verse

“I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to Yahweh’s house!”
Psalms 122:1 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 122:1–2 Joy in Going to Worship
Psalm 122:3–5 The Unity of Jerusalem
Psalm 122:6–8 Prayers for Peace
Psalm 122:9 Seeking Jerusalem's Good

Discussion questions

In v1, who expresses gladness about going to Yahweh’s house?
What is described as 'a city that is compact together' in v3?
The phrase 'the tribes go up' in v4: what does it suggest about the unity of Israel?
The word 'prosper' in v6: what does it imply about the relationship between peace and wellbeing?
When have you sought 'peace' for a community, as expressed in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 122: Psalm 84, Psalm 133, Micah 4.

Before next time: read Psalm 123.