“Psalms of Ascents”

Lesson 22: Psalm 120-134Lesson 22: Psalm 120-134

Introduction to Psalms 120-134• Psalms 120 - 134 form a collection of

Psalms known as "Songs of Ascents." 

• In the Bible text, the heading “A Song of Ascents” precedes each Psalm in this group.

• These Psalms are also referred to as "Songs of Degrees," "Pilgrim Psalms," or "Gradual Psalms." 

Introduction to Psalms 120-134There are various theories as to why the title “A Song of Ascents” is given:

• Some commentators see a progression of thought in each Song of Ascent.

• Some suggest that the term “ascents” is a musical term.

• “The Jewish Mishnah connects the fifteen psalms with the fifteen steps of the Temple where the Levites sang these psalms.”

• “Many scholars agree that these are likely to be songs that were sung by the pilgrims as they were journeying to Jerusalem …they were ascending to Jerusalem.” (D. Paulk)

Introduction to Psalms 120-134Ascending to Worship:• Jerusalem is about 2600 feet above sea level; it is

surrounded on all sides by valleys– Anyone coming from any direction would be

going "up" to Jerusalem.  – The temple was built on Mount Zion, and any

pilgrim traveling there would have to “ascend.” • There are seven references to “Zion,” five

references to “Jerusalem” and four references to “the house of the Lord” in these 15 short Psalms.

• These Psalms express a desire to ascend to the house of the Lord to worship Him.

Aerial Depiction of the Temple

Psalms 120-134Motivation and preparation for worship:• Psalm 120 -- A cry of distress to the Lord from

one who is surrounded by foreigners who do not love peace.

• Psalm 121 -- Help comes from the Lord, Who preserves and protects His people.

• Psalm 122 -- Because there is such joy in going to the house of the Lord, the Psalmist prays for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem.

• Psalm 123 -- Look to the Lord for mercy.• Psalm 124 – The Lord has helped in times past,

and without Him we would have been destroyed.

Psalms 120-134Motivation and preparation for worship:• Psalm 125 – The Lord surrounds and protects

His people.• Psalm 126 – The Lord’s people rejoice and sing

because He has freed them.• Psalm 127 – Our houses, cities and families will

only be established and blessed if the Lord is with us.

• Psalm 128 – The Lord blesses the families of those who fear Him.

• Psalm 129 – The Lord curses those who hate Zion.

Psalms 120-134Motivation and preparation for worship:• Psalm 130 – The Lord forgives those who cry out

to Him for forgiveness.• Psalm 131 – Admitting our human inadequacy

results in peace that comes from trusting the Lord• Psalm 132 – The House of the Lord is His

dwelling place; He has established the throne of David.

• Psalm 133 – The unity of God’s people in His house is good and pleasant.

• Psalm 134 – God’s servants bless the Lord in His house, and in turn the Lord blesses them.

Applications of the Psalms of Ascents1. Psalm 120: How do you feel when you are

surrounded by wicked and worldly people? Does it make you desire to be with good people to worship God?

2. Psalm 122: How did the Psalmist feel when they said to him, “Let us go into the house of the LORD”?

3. Psalm 123 compares our eyes as they look to the Lord to what action of a servant?

4. Psalm 124: What would have happened to us “if it had not been the LORD who was on our side?”

5. In Psalm 125, what is compared to the mountains that surround Jerusalem?

Applications of the Psalms of Ascents6. Psalm 126: With what were the mouths of

God’s people filled when the Lord brought them out of captivity?

7. What four phrases in Psalm 131 describe the Psalmist’s humility?

8. Psalm 132 says that the Lord has sworn to David “I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body” and that the Lord has chosen “Zion” as His dwelling place forever (132:11-14).• Who is the fruit of David’s body that sits on His

throne? (Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30)• To what does Zion refer in the New Testament

(Hebrews 12:22-23)

Applications of the Psalms of Ascents9. What is described as “good and pleasant” in

Psalm 133?

10. What are God’s servants to do in the house of the Lord according to Psalm 134:1-2?• What is the “House of the Lord” in the New

Testament? (1 Timothy 3:15)