Intro Why would a child of God have to love & sing songs in praise of a city, and exalt a city above your chief joy? Because the Lord loved Zion (Ps 87:2), was in her midst, had chosen her and loved her. And God's people loved the city that God loved.
Exposition He's writing to lead praises, mold hearts, & teach: 1.Great joy they were to have going to Jerusalem,v1-2 2.Great esteem they were to have of Jeru.,v3-5 a.Compact city,v3 b.Where tribes go up to give thanks,v4 c.Where thrones of house of David are set,v5 3.Great concern they were to have for Jeru.,v6-9 a.Prayer for her peace & the prosperity of her patrons & rulers,v6-8 b.Seeking her good,v9
Love to Jeru. is effect of true godliness. Prayer for & service of Jeru. is effect of that love. Peace & prosperity of Jeru. is effect of that prayer & service. This is 'For the sake of my brethren & companions'(v8); V9, 'Because of the house of the LORD our God.' It's a self-seeking psalm for every true worshipper. V6, all who love Jeru. will prosper. If the people wanted to continue in peace & prosperity, they shouldn't make new kings, capitals, or places of worship at their own pleasure.
Doctrine God's prophets foretold that one day, mount Zion would grow until it filled the whole earth. All the nations would go up & worship in Jeru. And now we read in Heb 12, 'You have come to Mount Zion & to the city of the living God' (Heb 12:22; see 1Cor 3:9,17; Eph 2:21-22; Gal 4:26; Heb 11:16; Jn 2:19-21)
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