This song may have been inspired for the use of the worshippers going up to the feasts; but it suited the returning captives, who had, in the preceding Psalm, been anticipating God’s care of them on the journey, and now anticipate the end of that journey, and the regained house of the Lord. So, it may be the breathing of any renewed soul looking toward Jerusalem in the heavens. And surely it will suit the afflicted Remnant in latter-day troubles.
The Psalmist very beautifully celebrates the city of God as the city of peace, the place where God had recorded His name, the scene of joy and praise, the center of worship and of all holy solemnities, and also the seat of Jehovah’s government. It is saluted as the witness of both the Throne and the Temple, where the Glory and the Sword dwelt together, where, as we speak, a Theocracy is displayed. He invites others to seek her peace, and finally addresses her with warm assurances of love, both because of his brethren, and because of the Lord his God; for their stated concourse was there, and His house was there.