A thematic progression - For the observers of God's Festivals

https://www.gotquestions.org/Songs-of-Ascent.html 

Using the Pilgrim Songs to Prepare for the Feast

INTRO:

There is a special group of fifteen psalms comprising Psalms 120 —134 that is referred to as: “Songs of Ascents”, “Gradual Psalms”, “Songs of Degrees”, “Songs of Steps” or “Pilgrim Songs”. Four of these songs are attributed to King David (122, 124, 131, 133) and one to Solomon (127), while the remaining ten are anonymous. In many of our Bibles, at the beginning of each of these psalms is an inserted “superscription” that reads either “A Song of Ascents” or “A Song of Degrees”.

H4609 (מַעֲלָה ma‛ălâh mah-al-aw') Feminine of H4608; elevation, that is, the act (literally a journey to a higher place, figuratively a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally a step or grade mark, figuratively a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms): - things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story.

These psalms played a major role in the preparation for and observance of the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles during certain periods in the history of ancient Israel. So for the purpose of this message I will often refer to them as the “Pilgrim Songs”.

SPS:

This message will focus on: (1) The role these Songs of Ascents played in the Jewish observance of the Feast of Tabernacles during the era of Herod’s Temple (which included the time of Christ’s physical ministry); (2) The role they can play in our preparation for and observance of those Feasts today. As we go through this “Cliff Notes”-type overview of these psalms, we will see a logical “thematic progression” of how they not only can prepare us for the Feast of Tabernacles, but how they can prepare us for the first 1,000 years of the KOG (the Millennium which the Feast pictures) and beyond.

BODY:

1. Preface

These Songs of Ascents (aka Pilgrim Psalms) appear to have played various roles in ancient Israel’s history preparation for and observance of annual God’s festivals. Comparing many Commentaries, it appears that ancient Israel may have sung these songs not only for the FOT, but also for the Passover.

2. Jewish Use of these 15 Psalms During the Herodian Temple Era

During the time of Herod’s Temple, Jews traveling to Jerusalem for one of the three main annual festivals and traditionally sang these songs on the “ascent” or the uphill road to the city. Each of these psalms begins with the title “A Song of Ascents.” … These psalms were grouped together for use in traveling toward Jerusalem for the yearly …. festivals.

Ancient Israel (including the Jews in the time of Herod’s Temple) could also have used each the Psalms on the specific days of the 7th month leading up to the FOT.

3. The Levitical Priest during the Time of Herod’s Temple

THE PILGRIMS GOING TO THE TEMPLE: During the time of the Herodian Temple in Jerusalem (and thus the time of Christ’s earthly ministry), the Levites sang these psalms on for FOT Day 2 thru 7 on the 15 steps at the Gate of Nicanor.

As we approach the Feast of Tabernacles, it is interesting consider the role these psalms played in the observance of this Feast during certain times in the history of ancient Israel. Alfred Edersheim in his book “The Temple - Its Ministry and Services” described worship in the Herodian Temple in Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s earthly ministry:

“The Chambers: In each of the four corners of the Court of the Women were chambers, or rather unroofed courts, …. In the court at the farther angle (north-west) the purified lepers washed before presenting themselves to the priests at the Gate of Nicanor. …. The musical instruments used by the Levites were deposited in two rooms under the Court of the Israelites, to which the access was from the Court of the Women. …. fifteen easy steps led through the so-called Gate of Nicanor into the Court of Israel. On these steps the Levites were wont on the Feast of Tabernacles to sing the fifteen ‘Psalms of Degrees,’ or ascent (Psalms 120 to 134), whence some have derived their name. Here, or, rather, in the Gate of Nicanor, all that was ordered to be done ‘before the Lord’ took place. There the cleansed leper and the women coming for purification presented themselves to the priests, ….”

4. An Overview of these 15 Pilgrim Psalms

Psalm 120: Plea for deliverance from deceitful enemies

There is a “thematic progression”.

They begin with the concept of living in this present evil world.

Going up to leave the world to worship God where He has called us to assemble.

Psalm 120:1 The writer is distressed and crying out for God’s deliverance.

Psalm 120:5 i.e., No matter where you live in this world, you are in hostile territory. There is no to escape. In the verse, the word “dwell” appears twice: once it is Hb word for “sojourn” and the other time it is the Hb word for “tabernacle”. (See Expositor’s Commentary. Psalmist felt like a sojourner, not at home among ungodly people.) We are sojourners temporarily dwelling in tabernacles.

Psa 120:7 NKJV I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war.

We recognize that we do not live in a peaceable world. Peace won’t come until Christ returns. We want to attend a peaceful FOT.

Psalm 121: God our Helper and Keeper

Psa 121:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?

Picture a Feast-keeping pilgrim on his or her journey up to Jerusalem.

Psa 121:2 NKJV My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Compare Psa 125:2 NKJV As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.

God surrounds, watches over, and protects His people.

As physical hills provide protection for His people, so does God.

Sadly, ancient Israel often placed undue emphasis on the natural physical protection that the hills provided. They also use those hills to establish “high places” for false worship.

Sadly, ancient Israel also often sought protection via alliances with physical hills (small nations) and mountains (large nations) --- instead of seeking protection from God.

Compare Jer 3:23 NKJV Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills [either natural fortifications or nation-to-nation alliances], And from the multitude of mountains; Truly, in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel [There’s no other being or thing in which we can look for protection].

Psa 121:3-4 NKJV He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Whenever we need God’s protection, we can cry out to him (He’s available 24X7).

God is aware of your situation, and is more than willing to act upon it.

God is very vigilant in His care for His people.

Psa 121:5-7 NKJV The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.

An example is God’s deliverance of ancient Israel out of Egypt. God provided for them in every way. It wasn’t an easy time for ancient Israel, and it won’t be for us either.

We can all have the faith that God is with us and is watching over us. Consider Job. God was there with him throughout his trials.

Psa 121:8 NKJV The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.

God is with you when throughout your journey (when you leave home, while you’re out, and when you come back home).

 

Psalm 122 [a psalm attributed to David]: Peace to Jerusalem for God's house within

Psa 122:1-2 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD." 2 Our feet have been standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem!

We are glad and excited to have arrived at the Feast --- and very excited that others are also there to keep the Feast.

When David wrote this song, it applied to the Tabernacle in Jerusalem (before Solomon built the Temple).

Psa 122:3 NKJV Jerusalem is built As a city that is compact together,

The city was packed with throngs of pilgrims keeping the Feast --- pressed together.

Psa 122:4 NKJV Where the tribes go up, The tribes of the LORD, To the Testimony of Israel, To give thanks to the name of the LORD.

The people went there because that was the place where God dwelt.

God dwelled at the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle in Jerusalem.

There also went there to hear the Testimony of Israel (i.e., God’s word in the Bible --- including God’s law [including the Ten Commandments] and His plan of salvation --- expounded in a way that opens our understanding and moves us).

To hear the truths of God [His purpose being worked out here below] expounded.

Per Deut. 31, every 7 years the entire book of the Law was read to the people of Israel.

Psa 122:5 NKJV For thrones are set there for judgment, The thrones of the house of David.

Thrones at the seat of government were made for judgment.

It reminded the people that they had the rule of law and civil order in their nation.

Psa 122:6 NKJV Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.

Pray that physical Jerusalem may become stable and a place for peace.

Pray that our spiritual city (the Church) may be stable and a place for peace.

May the people who love God’s Church and truth prosper.

Psa 122:7 NKJV Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces."

May people be within our individual lives and within the Church as a whole.

Psa 122:8-9 NKJV For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, "Peace be within you." 9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good.

David desired peace for Jerusalem.

By our conduct we will have peace and prosper.

Psalm 123: Plea for relief from contempt

Psa 123:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.

Psa 123:2 NKJV Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He has mercy on us.

An analogy used is of a servant in a household looking to his master or mistress.

Likewise, we should look to God our Master. We need his guidance on how to handle problems. This requires time in prayer and Bible study to obtain wisdom (and what would be pleasing to God) on handle a situation.

We must seek to know what is pleasing to do in God’s eyes, and then do it.

Psa 123:3-4 NKJV Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt. 4 Our soul is exceedingly filled With the scorn of those who are at ease, With the contempt of the proud.

People sometimes hold God’s people in contempt, scorn and scoff.

Psalm 124 [a psalm attributed to David]: God on His people's side

Psa 124:1-5 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Of David. "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side," Let Israel now say— 2 "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, When men rose up against us, 3 Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us; 4 NKJV Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul; 5 Then the swollen waters Would have gone over our soul."

Point being made is that if it had not been for the LORD being on our side, we would have been swept away.

Of ourselves we have no power to stand against the powers against us.

Even though we stumble, God is still with us. God works with His people to guide and save them (often from antagonists who try to thwart them).

But if God is with us who can be against us? (Rom 8:31 NKJV What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?)

Psa 124:6-7 NKJV Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped.

Sometimes there are traps set for us, but God provides a way for us to escape.

Psa 124:8 NKJV Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Always remember that when we escape there’s only one reason that we have escaped.

Experiencing such deliverances should build our trust in Him.

We can trust Him in the future when we face more challenges.

Psalm 125: God protects and perpetuates those who trust in Him

Psa 125:1-2 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. 2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.

God will establish His throne on Mount Zion.

We can trust in God who is immovable, like Mount Zion.

Psa 125:3 NKJV For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest On the land allotted to the righteous, Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.

“scepter of wickedness” = evil rule

Sadly, such pervasive evil existed in ancient Israel and exists in our land today.

But the “scepter of wickedness” (evil rule) will come to an end (will not last forever).

Psa 125:4 NKJV Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, And to those who are upright in their hearts.

Psa 125:5 NKJV As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, The LORD shall lead them away With the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 126: Prayer for complete national restoration

Psa 126:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream.

This deals with Judah being delivered from exile in Babylon, being brought back in great joy.

Cyrus the Great was the instrument used to bring back a small portion of Judah to Jerusalem. (Isa 45:1-5, 13 NKJV "Thus says the LORD to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held— To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 2 'I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob My servant's sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. 5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, …. 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward," Says the LORD of hosts.)

Cyrus the Great was a type of Christ.

It was such a momentous and overwhelming experience, it was like a dream. (Possibly like how it will be when the seventh trumpet sounds at the first resurrection.)

Psa 126:2-3 NKJV Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 3 NKJV The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad.

They nations saw how God was with Israel in bring them back out of captivity.

This will also be the case during the end-time “second exodus”.

Psa 126:4 NKJV Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South.

The South is a very dry area. When it rains it is often torrential.

The image could refer to the flash-flood of torrential rain in the dry desert area --- giving us the image of flash-flooding the sudden unleashing of God’s blessings.

Psa 126:5-6 NKJV Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

Describes us living in this age of tears (trials, loss, difficulties and pain).

God’s people often sow in sorry and tears --- but someday we will reap in joy (at the ultimate harvest).

These verses give us word picture of us sowing in tears now but reaping in joy. All the wearisome toil and trials of this life (including Israel’s exile) working toward a wonderful outcome.

2Co 4:17 NKJV For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,)

2Co 4:17 RSV  For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

The fall harvest Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of the great harvest to come.

Psalm 127: Security and posterity from God

Word “vain” repeated three times to show futility of life apart from God.

Psa 127:1-2 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.

We cannot be successfully built anything apart from God.

If God is not part of our building process, we are wasting our time.

Psa 127:3-5 NKJV Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

God’s builds a house and children in a family.

Children are a blessing.

The Feast is a family time, where all attending are part of the Church family.

 

Psalm 128: Blessings of those who fear God

Psa 128:1-4 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD. 

Psa 128:5 NKJV The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life.

Psa 128:6 NKJV Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

 

Psalm 129: Plea for Zion's enemies to be put to shame

Psa 129:1-2 NKJV A Song of Ascents. "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth," Let Israel now say— 2 "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; Yet they have not revailed against me.

Psa 129:3 NKJV The plowers plowed on my back; They made their furrows long."

Psa 129:4 NKJV The LORD is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.

Psa 129:5-8 NKJV Let all those who hate Zion Be put to shame and turned back. 6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops, Which withers before it grows up, 7 With which the reaper does not fill his hand, Nor he who binds sheaves, his arms. 8 Neither let those who pass by them say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you; We bless you in the name of the LORD!"

Psalm 130: Waiting on God's redemption

Psa 130:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;

Psa 130:2 NKJV Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.

Psa 130:3 NKJV If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

Psa 130:4 NKJV But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.

Psa 130:5-6 NKJV I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning— Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.

Psa 130:7-8 NKJV O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption. 8 And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.

Psalm 131: Childlike hope in God

Psa 131:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.

Psa 131:2 NKJV Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

I am content with what God has given me

Psa 131:3 NKJV O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever.

 

Psalm 132: Zion the dwelling of God and His Anointed (Christ) Forever

Psa 132:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. LORD, remember DavidAnd all his afflictions;

Psa 132:2 NKJV How he swore to the LORD, And vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:

Psa 132:3 NKJV "Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house, Or go up to the comfort of my bed;

 

Psa 132:4 NKJV I will not give sleep to my eyes Or slumber to my eyelids,

Psa 132:5 NKJV Until I find a place for the LORD, A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

Psa 132:6 NKJV Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; We found it in the fields of the woods.

Psa 132:7 NKJV Let us go into His tabernacle; Let us worship at His footstool.

Psa 132:8 NKJV Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.

Psa 132:9 NKJV Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, And let Your saints shout for joy.

Psa 132:10 NKJV For Your servant David's sake, Do not turn away the face of Your Anointed.

Psa 132:11 NKJV The LORD has sworn in truth to David; He will not turn from it: "I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body.

Psa 132:12 NKJV If your sons will keep My covenant And My testimony which I shall teach them, Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore."

Psa 132:13 NKJV For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place:

Psa 132:14 NKJV "This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

Psa 132:15 NKJV I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

Psa 132:16 NKJV I will also clothe her priests with salvation, And her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

Psa 132:17 NKJV There I will make the horn of David grow; I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed.

11

 

Psa 132:18 NKJV His enemies I will clothe with shame, But upon Himself His crown shall flourish."

 

Psalm 133: Blessing of God's people in unity

The Joy of Brotherly Unity Among God’s People

 

Psa 133:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

Unity produced by God’s Spirit.

The pleasure of traveling together with others in peace, unity and harmony by God’s Spirit.

 

Psa 133:2-3 NKJV It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.

Blessings descend from God above.

Psalm 133, the fourth of four psalms of David among the songs of ascent, concerns the joy of brotherly unity among God's people. As the second song of ascents in the fifth set of three, it looks in trust to God to provide His commanded blessing of eternal life. The key word in the psalm, missed in English because it is translated different ways, is the thrice-repeated yarad -rendered "running down" twice (verse 2) and "descending" once (verse 3). The idea is that goodness and blessing comes down from above-from God.

 

Psalm 134: Praising God in His house at night

Psa 134:1 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!

A word of heartfelt praise and thanksgiving.

Describes cheerful and willing cooperation with God and an expressed willingness to see all of God’s will be done.

“By Night” may refer to ancient tradition during FOT of Levites and other worshippers celebrating late into the night (on all days but the first). Singing, dancing, juggling, Levitical performance of the Songs of Ascents on the 15 steps. [show slides]

May be referred to in Isa 30:29 NKJV “You shall have a song As in the night when a holy festival is kept, And gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, To come into the mountain of the LORD, To the Mighty One of Israel.”

Psa 134:2 NKJV Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.

Psa 134:3 NKJV The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!

Ends with a benediction asking God’s favor and blessings during their travels to the FOT, and for a safe return home after the Feast..

Think on these things as you journey to where God has place His name for you to attend --- the mountain of the LORD.

These Psalms are not limited to the keeping of the Feast.

 

CONCLUSION:

The themes of these Songs of Ascent offer much encouragement for us who seek to worship God in our preparation and observance of the Feast of Tabernacles today:

These Pilgrim Psalms continue to find a place among the many hymns and songs we use during our observance of the Feast. They serve as powerful examples of how we can express our worship and love for God through the power of song.

The messages in each of the Psalms describe our physical journeys to the upcoming Feast; as well as our spiritual journey to the KOG (the ultimate fulfillment pictured by the Feast).

Psa 122:1-2 NKJV A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD." 2 Our feet have been standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Think on these things as you journey to “the house of the LORD” --- the FOT place where God has set His name for you to keep the Feast this year.