New International Version That is where the tribes go up— the tribes of the LORD— to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel. New Living Translation All the tribes of Israel—the LORD’s people— make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD, as the law requires of Israel. English Standard Version to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Berean Standard Bible where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Berean Literal Bible there the tribes go up, the tribes of YAH, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of YHWH. King James Bible Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. New King James Version Where the tribes go up, The tribes of the LORD, To the Testimony of Israel, To give thanks to the name of the LORD. New American Standard Bible To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD— An ordinance for Israel— To give thanks to the name of the LORD. NASB 1995 To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD—An ordinance for Israel—To give thanks to the name of the LORD. NASB 1977 To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD — An ordinance for Israel— To give thanks to the name of the LORD. Legacy Standard Bible To which the tribes, the tribes of Yah, go up— A testimony for Israel— To give thanks to the name of Yahweh. Amplified Bible To which the [twelve] tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD, [As was decreed as] an ordinance for Israel, To give thanks to the name of the LORD. Berean Annotated Bible where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel (he wrestles with God), to give thanks to the name of the LORD {YHWH}. Christian Standard Bible where the tribes, the LORD’s tribes, go up to give thanks to the name of the LORD. (This is an ordinance for Israel. ) Holman Christian Standard Bible where the tribes, Yahweh’s tribes, go up to give thanks to the name of Yahweh. (This is an ordinance for Israel.) American Standard Version Whither the tribes go up, even the tribes of Jehovah, For an ordinance for Israel, To give thanks unto the name of Jehovah. Contemporary English Version Every tribe of the LORD obeys him and comes to you to praise his name. English Revised Version Whither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD for a testimony unto Israel, to give thanks into the name of the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation All of the LORD's tribes go to that city because it is a law in Israel to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Good News Translation This is where the tribes come, the tribes of Israel, to give thanks to the LORD according to his command. International Standard Version To it the tribes ascend— the tribes of the LORD— as decreed to Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. NET Bible The tribes go up there, the tribes of the LORD, where it is required that Israel give thanks to the name of the LORD. New Heart English Bible where the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Webster's Bible Translation Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblewhere the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. World English Bible where the tribes go up, even Yah’s tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to Yahweh’s name. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor there tribes have gone up, "" Tribes of YAH, companies of Israel, "" To give thanks to the Name of YHWH. Berean Literal Bible there the tribes go up, the tribes of YAH, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of YHWH. Young's Literal Translation For thither have tribes gone up, Tribes of Jah, companies of Israel, To give thanks to the name of Jehovah. Smith's Literal Translation There the tribes went up, the tribes of Jah, the testimonies to Israel, to confess to the name of Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible There the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, As it was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. New Revised Standard Version To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated There went up the tribes, the tribes of LORD JEHOVAH, a testimony to Israel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whither the tribes went up, even the tribes of the LORD, As a testimony unto Israel, To give thanks unto the name of the LORD. Brenton Septuagint Translation For thither the tribes went up, the tribes of the Lord, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem…3Jerusalem is built up as a city united together, 4where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5For there the thrones of judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.… Cross References where the tribes go up, Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. Exodus 23:17 Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD. Jeremiah 31:6 For there will be a day when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Arise, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God!’” the tribes of the LORD, Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 14:2 for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 32:9 But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance. as a testimony for Israel, Deuteronomy 4:45 These are the testimonies, statutes, and ordinances that Moses proclaimed to them after they had come out of Egypt, 1 Chronicles 16:17 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: Exodus 12:14 And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come. to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. 1 Chronicles 16:8 “Give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. Deuteronomy 12:5-7 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. / There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. 1 Kings 9:3 And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and petition before Me. I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting My Name there forever; My eyes and My heart will be there for all time. 2 Chronicles 6:6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ Isaiah 2:3 And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Treasury of Scripture Where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. whither Psalm 78:68 But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. Psalm 132:13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. Exodus 23:17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD. the testimony Exodus 16:34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. Exodus 26:33,34 And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy… Exodus 32:15 And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. to give Psalm 66:13-16 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, … Psalm 107:1-3 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever… Psalm 116:17-19 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD… Jump to Previous Companies Decreed Israel Jah Ordinance Praise Statute Testimony Thanks Thither Tribes Whither Witness Yah'sJump to Next Companies Decreed Israel Jah Ordinance Praise Statute Testimony Thanks Thither Tribes Whither Witness Yah'sPsalm 122 1. David professes his joy for the church6. And prays for the peace thereof where the tribes go up, Israel’s twelve tribes traveled to Jerusalem for the appointed feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Because the city stood in the hill country of Judah, travelers literally went up to worship at the place God had chosen. Deu 16:16 Three times a year all your men appear before the LORD… the tribes of the LORD, Though descended from the sons of Jacob, the tribes belonged to the LORD by covenant. Their common worship reminded them that they were one people, redeemed from Egypt and set apart for God’s purposes. Deu 7:6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God.… as a testimony for Israel, Their gathering bore witness to Israel’s obedience to the covenant and preserved the national memory of God’s faithfulness. The united pilgrimage also displayed before surrounding peoples that Israel worshiped the one true God. Deu 4:45 These are the testimonies, statutes, and ordinances… to give thanks to the name of the LORD. At Jerusalem, the people praised the LORD for His deliverance, provision, protection, and covenant mercy. Their worship honored His revealed character and acknowledged Him as the source of every blessing. Psa 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Tribes of the LORDRefers to the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob. They represent the collective people of God, each with their unique identity and role within the nation of Israel. 2. Israel The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes. Israel is central to God's redemptive plan and serves as a testimony to His faithfulness and covenant promises. 3. Jerusalem The city where the tribes go up to worship. It is the spiritual and political center of Israel, housing the Temple, which is the focal point of Jewish worship and sacrifice. 4. The Name of the LORD Represents God's character, authority, and presence. Giving thanks to His name signifies worship, reverence, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. Teaching Points Unity in WorshipThe gathering of the tribes in Jerusalem symbolizes unity among God's people. In the church today, unity in worship is essential, reflecting our shared faith and purpose. Obedience to God's Commands The tribes' pilgrimage to Jerusalem was an act of obedience. Believers are called to obey God's commands, which includes regular worship and thanksgiving. The Importance of Thanksgiving Giving thanks to the name of the LORD is a central theme. Cultivating a heart of gratitude is vital for spiritual growth and reflects our acknowledgment of God's blessings. Testimony to the World The tribes' journey served as a testimony to Israel's faithfulness. Our lives should similarly testify to God's goodness and faithfulness to those around us. The Centrality of God's Presence Jerusalem, as the place of God's presence, reminds us of the importance of seeking God's presence in our lives through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 122:4?2. How does Psalm 122:4 encourage unity among believers in worship practices today? 3. What role does "giving thanks" play in your personal and communal worship? 4. How can Psalm 122:4 inspire us to prioritize gathering with fellow believers? 5. Connect Psalm 122:4 with Hebrews 10:25 on the importance of assembling together. 6. How can you implement the call to "give thanks" in your daily life? 7. What is the significance of the tribes going up to Jerusalem in Psalm 122:4? 8. How does Psalm 122:4 reflect the unity of the Israelites? 9. Why is the act of giving thanks emphasized in Psalm 122:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 122? (4) Unto the testimony.--This is erroneous. The words are parenthetical: "Thither go (or, must and shall go) the tribes, the tribes of Judah (it is an ordinance for Israel) to praise the name of Jehovah." (See Exodus 23:17, Deuteronomy 16:16, to this regulation.)Verse 4. - Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. This points to a time before the dispersion of "the tribes," which rendered such regular "going up" impossible. Unto the testimony of Israel; rather, as a testimony unto Israel - a witness to the whole nation that all Israelites had covenant privileges at Jerusalem. To give thanks unto the Name of the Lord. The three great feasts whereto Israel was bound to "go up" were all of them seasons of thanksgiving. Psalm 122:4 portrays Israel’s twelve tribes literally ascending to Jerusalem at God’s command. Their united pilgrimage, belonging to the Lord, serves as a living witness of covenant faithfulness and culminates in heartfelt gratitude to His name. The verse celebrates communal worship that honors God, strengthens national unity, and proclaims His glory to every onlooker—an enduring model for God’s people today. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew whereשֶׁשָּׁ֨ם (šeš·šām) Pronoun - relative | Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither the tribes שְׁבָטִ֡ים (šə·ḇā·ṭîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe go up, עָל֪וּ (‘ā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively the tribes שִׁבְטֵי־ (šiḇ·ṭê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of the LORD, יָ֭הּ (yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3050: LORD -- the name of the God of Israel as a testimony עֵד֣וּת (‘ê·ḏūṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5715: Testimony for Israel, לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (lə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc to give thanks לְ֝הֹד֗וֹת (lə·hō·ḏō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 3034: To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan to the name לְשֵׁ֣ם (lə·šêm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8034: A name of the LORD. יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Additonal Resources Psalm 122:4 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 122:4 Bible Gateway Psalm 122:4 Bible.com Psalm 122:4 NIV |
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