Jerusalem was not only the meeting place between the Lord and his people, but also the place where the twelve tribes of Israel united in worship. Because Jerusalem is such a crucial site of worship and unity, it needs to remain stable and prosperous. Therefore, the psalmist encourages the people to pray for the peace and security of Jerusalem.
In praying for the peace of Jerusalem, the psalmist also makes a play on words. Jerusalem in Hebrew means city of peace.
The psalmist is thus asking people to pray that the city will be true to its name. that it will be a place where justice and righteousness are seen, that it will prosper, and that it may remain focused on the worship of the Lord.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!