Psalms 122:4. The tribes go up, because they found all the testimonials of the covenant there; and because the thrones of David's house would decide their causes with equity. Therefore this psalm could not be composed in Babylon.
REFLECTIONS.
Of the glory and beauty of Zion we have often spoken before, as in Psalm 48. 84. 87. But there are several other sentiments here which claim attention. The joy which David expressed on being called to worship, is a high mark of a regenerate soul. Piety loves the name, the worship, and the people of God. It is a sure proof that the affections are disengaged from an inordinate love of the world, and that the highest pleasure and delight of the heart is in the service of God. Whereas, a sluggish frame, when the man is to drag to devotion as to the gloom of a prison, is a sad sign that the heart is unacquainted with the power of religion, and alienated from the life of God.
We ought to pray for the prosperity of religion, or the christian Zion; for in her peace we shall have peace and prosperity of every kind. Our neighbours also shall have peace, for the covenant blessings are entailed on them. Our children likewise shall have peace. A religious influence promoted in a town, or in a nation, sheds the influence of heaven on all around. Let us therefore love Zion, for it is God's house; and let us risk both life and fortune to seek its good. I may here observe, that this beautiful psalm is a rival subject of versification among poets. Our George Buchanan has succeeded well. Melchior Adamus has copied many whole lines from Buchanan. Merrick's English version of this psalm is often an imitation of the above Latin poets.