Introduction to the Psalms of Ascent (Pss. 120-134)
Introduction
The Psalms of Ascent form a psalter within the psalter. It is clear from their titles that an editor put these psalms together. We see in the Psalter already th\at there is some editing going on, for instacne the psalter is organised into five books. There appears to be an earlier block (books 1 and 2) that existed and were added on to.
Book 5 (107-150) is where we find the Psalms of Ascent. But before the Psalms of Ascent we have one collection and one very prominent psalm.
Hallel Psalms (113-118) these psalms would have been commonly recited at the Passover
Psalm 119 - this psalm about God's Law (Torah) could have been recited as the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) which was 50 days after Passover (remember that after passover, the next major event for Israel was the giving of the law on Mt Sinai).
Psalms of Ascent (120-134) these psalms then were commonly used for those pilgrims going up to the three appointed feast days in Jerusalem. They would have been coming from all over, "going up" to Jerusalem for the purpose of sacrificing and meeting with God.
We sing and recite the Psalms of Ascent much like the pilgrims of old. Except we do so, enroute to a New Jerusalem.
Outline of the Psalms of Ascent
Pss. 120-126 ― 7 psalms
Two Psalms of David (122, 124)
The name of Yahweh - 24 times
Ps. 127 of Solomon (see Ps. 72, the only other Psalm of Solomon)
Pss. 128-134 ― 7 psalms
Two Psalms of David (131, 133)
The Psalm of Yahweh 24 times (including Ps. 127)
Not only are these psalms grouped together but even inside this grouping it becomes clear that centre Psalm 127 unifies the whole. Psalm 127 is about the Lord's house, the Lord's city, and the descendent of David (127:3-4; 132:11-12).
From Robertson, O. Palmer. The Flow of the Psalms: Discovering Their Structure and Theology. P&R Publishing, 2015: 212-3.
The Storyline of the Psalms of Ascent
Psalm 120 - far off, in a broken world, confronted with false hopes and false solutions (lies), the prilgrim desires to set out for the Lord and for his temple.
Psalm 121 - contemplating the journey ahead, which will be dangerous, yet God commands that they go up to the feasts (Ex. 23:14-17; 34:22-23) so the pilgrims trust in God to protect and preserve them.
Psalm 122 - the pilgrims arrive with countless others, seeing the beginning of the end of their pilgrimage. They set sights upon Jerusalem!
Psalm 123 - though they are all "home" in God's city, yet all is not right in the world. Whether they are experiencing persecution from without or problems within the covenant community, there is this realisation that the world is not as it should be.
Psalm 124 - Yet, through it al, God preseves his people. So, even if things are not as they should be, the pgilrlms have hope and take comfront in their God.
Psalm 125 - this then gives confidence to the pilgrims, knowing that this trek is not in vain.
Psalm 126 - this confidence gives birth to hope, hope in restoration, as God has done in the past, so he will do again in the future!
Psalm 127 - but how does this change come about? It is not by the pilgrims might but by God's sovereign hand. Only God can do this. They are helpfuless unless God acts, yet in God they are more than conquorers.
Psalm 128 - though they cannot usher in this new age, yet they can follow God's creational mandate to be fruitful and multiple and subdue the earth. (This link between 127:3-5 sons and this great blessing godly offspring is).
Psalm 129 - past evils giveway to prsent victories in the Lord. This reminds the travellers of the greater victory to come. God will destroy evil finally and fully one day.
Psalm 130 - but if God destroys evil and evil doers, what does that mean for God's people? For they are evil and wicked! But in Christ, they are holy. This is what the feast days signified, the peoples sin before a holy God, but a holy God provides a way for his people to be forgiven, to experience mercy and dwell with God!
Psalm 131 - the pilgrim (this time David) puts his trust, like a child, into the Lord. Though big questions loom, like suffering, sovereignty, sin, and redemption, and the eternally question: how will God do all of this? Yet he comes and rests in the Lord.
Psalm 132 - this is the longest of the Psalms of Ascent and recounts Israel's history, recounts the promise God made to David, and reminds the people of the hope this brings. God will bring the people back, God will establish David's throne - because he has promised!
Psalm 133 - A king, needs a kingdom, a people who dwell together. The NT speaks of Christians corporate, as the bride and body of Christ. What a blessing the Psalmist sees in corporate worship. As it is not just a single pilgrim, but all faithful Israelites gathering together there to worship the Lord.
Psalm 134 - now departing, a benediction, a blessing, for those returning to the world. A world that yes is hostile, but the Lord reigns, there is confidence in the Lord. He will bless. He will fulfil his promises until they return again to worship or meet in the heavenly Jerusalem.
From Holtvlüwer, Peter H. (editor). Christ's Psalms, Our Psalms 4 volumes. RP Press, 2020: 4:152-7.
Resources on the Psalms of Ascent
Marching to Zion, Rhett Dodson (Banner of Truth)
