Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” (122:6-8)
As the people journey to Jerusalem it seems obvious why they would pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It was their capital city and the center of their religion. To lose Jerusalem would be to lose everything. In fact, when Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC by the Babylonians, it was the ultimate judgment of God. Jerusalem has never fully recovered from this blow.
But I believe Scripture includes this command to pray for Jerusalem for a greater reason. Jerusalem is the centerpiece of God’s plan for history. Jerusalem means “city of peace” or “city of shalom.” It is first encountered when Melchizedek (meaning “king of righteousness”) blesses Abram after his rescue of Lot. Melchizedek is said to be the “king of Salem” (Jerusalem) and he brings bread and wine to Abraham and Abraham submits to him.
Later in Genesis 22, Abraham isinstructed to offer his beloved son Isaac on Mount Moriah, another name for the mount of Jerusalem. God intervenes at the last moment and provides a substitute sacrifice. From then on, the place is called “on the mount of the Lord it will be provided.” The temple of Solomon would be built on this very spot (2 Chron 3:1).
David conquers the city of Jerusalem early in his reign and makes it the capital city of Israel. David’s throne is in Jerusalem and God promises that the coming Messiah, the son of David, will rule from David’s throne in Jerusalem. In messianic hope, Jerusalem was often called the city of David, Mount Zion (the throne of God) or Ariel (city of righteousness)
Since the time of David and Solomon, the city of peace has known little peace. In fact, it has often been at the center of worldwide conflict. Zechariah says that in the last days, Jerusalem will be a “cup of reeling” that makes all the nations stumble as they struggle to control her and bring her peace. However, lasting peace will not come until Jesus Christ, the Son of David, returns and sets his feet on the Mount of Olives. “On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem…The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. …Jerusalem will be inhabited; never again will it be destroyed. Jerusalem will be secure” (Zechariah 14:8-9, 11).
So praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the peace of the whole world. It is praying that the Prince of Peace will return and set this world aright. It is praying “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It is praying, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”