Introduction to the Songs of Ascent
GOD’S WORD
Psalms 121:1-8; 1 Kings 12:31
Fifteen of the 150 psalms in the OldTestament—Psalms 120 to 134—share a common title: “Songs of Ascents.” The word ascentsmeans “going up,” and the context often refers to traveling upward to Jerusalemor Zion (see Psalms 122:1, 6; 125:1–2; 126:1; 128:5; 129:5; 132:13; 133:3;134:3). Because Jerusalem sits on a hill, people from every direction wouldalways “go up” to the city. Hebrew pilgrims likely sang these psalms as theytraveled to Jerusalem to celebrate annual festivals such as Passover, the Feastof Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Another interpretation connects the term“ascents” to the fifteen steps of the temple, which the prophet Ezekiel alsocalled ascents (Ezekiel 40:6). According to the Mishnah, acollection of traditional Jewish rabbinic writings, fifteen steps led from theCourt of Women to the Court of the Israelites in the temple. Levitical priestsstood on these steps and sang each of the fifteen psalms, matching one song toeach step.
Whether sung by pilgrims ascending towardJerusalem or by Levitical choirs standing on the temple steps, these psalmsreflect a spiritual practice of “going up” to worship God. They were sung aspreparation for entering the presence of the Almighty. Though composed atdifferent times and in various circumstances, the collection forms a unifiedmessage: Jerusalem is the sacred gathering place where God’s people cometogether to celebrate, remember, and worship their faithful God.
Over the next four weeks, we will placeourselves into this ancient journey by exploring four of these Psalms: 121,123, 125, and 127. Through them, we’ll reflect on the providence, perspective,permanence, and partnership of God. As we “ascend” in our relationship with ourheavenly Father, may we gain fresh insight into His enduring help, His mercifulattention, His unshakable security, and His divine purpose for our lives.