Smithton-Culloden Community Group Discussion questions – 25th May 2016
Psalm 122 Study Questions
“Song of Ascents” is a title given to fifteen of the Psalms (120–134) that each starts with the ascription Shir
Hama'aloth (Hebrew: ‫שִׁ יר המַ עֲ לֹות‬, meaning "Song of the Ascents"). Four of them (122, 124, 131 and 133)
are linked in their ascriptions to David, and one (127) to Solomon. Many scholars believe the title indicates
that these psalms were sung by worshippers as they ascended the road to Jerusalem to attend one of
the pilgrim festivals.
1. Imagine yourself as a pilgrim travelling to Jerusalem in the time of David for
one of the festivals. Was the temple in existence? If not, what was in
Jerusalem? What would you have been feeling as you joined in the singing of
this psalm?
2. What does it mean in v2 when it says “Our feet are standing in your gates , O
Jerusalem”
3. Why do you think God told His people to travel to Jerusalem 3 times a year?
See Exodus 23:14-19.
4. Is there any value today in travelling to worship in special places? Or in
travelling to be part of a bigger congregation for worship several times a year?
Can we adequately worship at home these days?
5. What is the significance of the way in which Jerusalem was built – closely
compacted together?
6. What were the thrones for judgement (v5)? What purpose did they fulfil?
7. Should we continue to pray for peace and prosperity in Jerusalem today? Is it
a city of peace?
8. In v4 the psalmist states that the tribes go to Jerusalem “to praise the name of
the LORD”. Our focus when we come to church is to hear a sermon. Have we
lost something in modern day church services? Or gained something?
9. Verses 6, 7 and 8 focus on three priorities – peace, security and prosperity.
What do those words mean to us today? Rank them in order of
importance/preference for today’s Christians
10.How can we apply the lessons of this psalm set in Jerusalem to our regular
Sunday worship in Smithton? Or is it more relevant to special services and
events?