Psalm 122:4

Translations

Modern

…where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

Traditional

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

Literal

…there the tribes go up, the tribes of YAH, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of YHWH.

Latin

Illuc enim ascenderunt tribus, tribus Domini: testimonium Israël, ad confitendum nomini Domini.

Original

Hebrew

English

…where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

Notes

Psalms 122:4

Each person in Israel belonged to a tribe, and all tribes belonged to the Lord.
Giving thanks means presenting an offering acceptable to the Lord (Psalms 50:14, 23; 100:4; 118:19).
as a testimony for Israel: See Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16.

Psalms 122:3–5

Jerusalem can represent God’s heavenly dwelling place. David became the model for the rulers God chooses.

Psalms 122:1–9

Jerusalem is presented here as the city of God, the city of David, and the center of faith. A group of pilgrims joyfully arrives in the city (Psalm 122:1–2). The psalmist praises Jerusalem (Psalm 122:3–5) and prays for the city’s peace (122:6–9).

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Deuteronomy 16:16
Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.
Psalm 66:13–16
I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You—
Exodus 23:17
Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD.
Psalm 118:19
Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD.
Exodus 34:23–24
Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
Psalm 107:1–3
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
Psalm 132:13
For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home:
Exodus 16:34
And Aaron placed it in front of the Testimony, to be preserved just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Deuteronomy 12:11
…then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD.
Psalm 78:68
But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved.
Exodus 32:15
Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back.
Exodus 26:33–34
And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Degrees, Song of Hallel Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees Zion

Topics

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): All Males Were Required to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Kept with Rejoicing Jerusalem: Jerusalem: The Jews: Went up To, at the Feasts the Anniversary Feasts were a Time of Thankfulness

Psalm 122:4

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