Psalm 122

Psalm 122 (Laetatus sum or commonly I Was Glad) is one of 15 psalms from the Book of Psalms that begin with the words "A song of ascents" (Shir Hama'alot).

Uses in Judaism

• Is recited following Mincha between Sukkot and Shabbat Hagadol.
• Is recited on Shabbat Nachamu (the Shabbat after Tisha B'Av) in some traditions.
• Verses 7-9 are part of Talmud Berachos 64a.

Settings in Music

• Monteverdi set the Latin (Vulgate) text, Laetatus sum, at least three times, in his Vespers of 1610 and twice as a stand-alone motet in 1643.
• Charpentier set the same text in 1671, again as a motet, catalogued as H161.
• Jommelli did the same, in 1743.
• The Book of Common Prayer version, I Was Glad, is used in Parry's 1902 coronation anthem of that name.
• The same English text was used for coronation music by Purcell and others.

Text

A song of ascents. Of David.

I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
Our feet are standing
in your gates, Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
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.
There stand the thrones for judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.

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 family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.