Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces." For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will say, “Peace be within you” (vv.6-8).
Both the nation of Israel and the city Jerusalem, have a special place in God’s economy. In fact, it was during David's time that Jerusalem was first chosen to be the city where God would establish His name. Jerusalem was a small city that would increase by the thousands as pilgrims came three times a year to worship the LORD and to give praise unto His name (v.4). Jerusalem was the place where counsel was given and wisdom handed out (v.5), the “Holy City." And with so much hatred all around her both then and now, we can see the wisdom in David’s request.
Today, the peace and welfare of not only Jerusalem but the church (particularly in our country), should unite us as Christians in prayer. We need to be in prayer for both the church collectively and our own fellowships individually. Why? Because just as Jerusalem was the place God chose to do His work, with a chosen group of people, so the “church” today is the same chosen vessel. It is the very place His gospel is proclaimed, and His work is accomplished. Similarly, just as the nation of Israel had it's enemies, so the church today has it's enemies as well.
Therefore, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (and your fellowship), as we make our own pilgrimage through this life.
The Truth: “I will make you (Israel) a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3)
