THE GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD (Psalm 122)

What is the most important city on Earth, from every standpoint?

Some might say Washington, D.C., because it is the seat of power in the most powerful nation on the planet. Others would lean toward New York because of Wall Street and the financial sector or its status as a media center.

Outside the United States are world-class cities such as Sydney and London, both of which I have had the opportunity to visit. There are so many such places that have so much to offer. Yet I would submit to you that the greatest city on Earth is the one that God placed at the center of His purpose in this world.

Psalm 122 begins with these words: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” We hear this verse mentioned often as it relates to people assembling with their church family, and there is nothing wrong with that application.

But as for interpretation, Psalm 122 is not about assembling for a church meeting. It literally was about going to the “house of the Lord,” or the Temple. It was the place of worship and sacrifice in the Old Testament economy.

Verse 2: “Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.”

There is the answer to our opening question. I submit to you that the greatest city in the world is Jerusalem. Why would that be the case? Because Jerusalem is not only the city of David but the Lord’s city. It is where He chose to put His temple and have His people come and worship.

The psalmist described the city this way in verse 3: “Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together.” If you have been to Jerusalem or seen photos of it, you know that this is an apt description of the lay of the land.

Verses 4-9: “Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.”

Jerusalem is indeed the greatest city, but not because of its infrastructure, its population, or its financial power. It is great because it is the place God designated to be the center of worship for the nation of Israel.

I think there is a very practical lesson here for us in that every place is special for only one reason — because of what God does there. Everything in life takes on new significance because of the presence of the Lord in that place. It is not about geography or circumstance; it is certainly not about what man can produce or build. It is about the wonderful presence of our great God.

Historical Significance

There are two or three aspects of Psalm 122 that we can examine. First, we can look at its historical significance.

Throughout much of history, Jerusalem was THE city. As we’ve already learned, these songs of degrees were sung as the people went up to worship. They were not simply sightseeing or on a pleasure trip. They were ascending to the site of the Temple of God.

Prophetic Significance

There is also a prophetic significance. Let me remind you that God is not finished with His chosen people of Israel. Jerusalem plays a major role in God’s economy.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is coming back to this world. He will set up His kingdom to rule and reign from the city of Jerusalem. So I would suggest to you that it would be very good to continue to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” In doing so, you are essentially asking that the Prince of Peace would come. There will be no real peace in that region of so much conflict until He returns. It is a prayer for the coming of Jesus Christ.

While we are at it, we should pray for our own nation that it will continue to show kindness to the nation of Israel. God is not through with His chosen people.

Personal Perspective

Now, let’s consider a personal perspective on Psalm 122. At first glance, we might be prone to say that Jerusalem is far away from us and this psalm was written during a time in which we were not living. Regardless of that, there is a tremendous spiritual truth in this psalm.

We mentioned a moment ago that what made Jerusalem great was the presence of God. With that in mind, I believe that the emphasis of Psalm 122 is for us to learn to keep the Lord’s presence at the center of every part of life.

The reason Jerusalem was exalted was that it was a place where God was exalted. The only reason He glorifies anyone is so that person can then glorify Him. We have whoever blessings we have so that we can be reminded of the Blesser.

His Presence Brings Joy

Think of all the things in these verses that are connected to the presence of God. In verse 1, it is joy. That is what is found in knowing and following Jesus Christ. He gives a joy that the world cannot give or take away. The beauty of it is that we do not have to go to Jerusalem to enter God’s presence; we can do it wherever we are.

Pause right now and do that. Acknowledge that God is present and thank Him for being there. Praise Him for being so near. Begin to do that now, and as you enter His presence, you will enter into joy.

His Presence Brings Peace

Verse 7 shows us that His presence also brings peace. Do you need peace today? If so, there is a peace “which passeth all understanding” and “shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). It happens when you consciously every day in the presence of an almighty God.

His Presence Brings Prosperity

That same verse emphasizes prosperity. In fact, both things are repeated. In verse 6, we are instructed to pray for peace and prosperity, which in verse 7 we see is found in Jerusalem. This prosperity is the blessing that grows and flows out of the presence of God. This is so much better than the so-called prosperity gospel. It is wealth that money cannot buy, riches that can never be lost or stolen. It is spiritual prosperity.

Everything you need today can be found in God’s presence.

The psalm closes this way: “Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” In other words, the pinnacle was Jerusalem, and its pinnacle was the temple because the temple was the center of God’s presence.

The highest place in your life today consists of those moments lived in God’s presence. Practice being there, and you will know every good thing God has for you.