Psalms 120-134 - Introduction

by L.C. Shattock, Leicester | Category: The Songs Of Ascents | Jan 1982

Introduction

There can be no final answer to the question why Psalms 120-134 have been given the title "The Songs of Ascents", but among the more likely suggestions are as follows:

(1)That they were the songs of pilgrims who went up to Jerusalem three times a year for the set feasts of Jehovah

(2)These Psalms were sung by returning exiles as they came from

Babylon to restore Jerusalem and to re-build the Temple there.

Each of these ideas fits the expression of the Songs, all of which unfold

a progressive experience in a redeemed soul's relationship with God. Viewed in this way they reflect an ascent in spiritual growth which should be the pattern of the lives of all who desire to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ... " (2 Pet. 3:18).

"Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward" (Exod. 14:15). To stand still when God calls us to move forward is, in fact, to regress, to commence decline; for our effectiveness is measured, not by the point we have reached but by whether or not we are still progressing. "I press on" said the apostle Paul and if he felt that he had "not already attained", how much more do we need to have as our aim "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13)!

The Hebrew word translated "ascents" which is applied to these Psalms literally means steps. Not steps as though walking, but a rising step or stair. The same word is used in the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem when she saw the glory of Solomon and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord (2 Chron. 9:4).

In this study we will view these Psalms as "ascents of the soul". To each we have suggestively applied a key word which reflects a thought which can be detected in the expression of each Song. Let us then approach them in the spirit of the prayer

Shew me Thy ways, 0 Lord;

Teach me thy paths.

Guide me in Thy truth, and teach me;

For Thou art the God of my salvation (Psa. 25:4-5).

Psalm 120 Key word; Disturbance

Spiritual experience starts with disturbance. There can be no forward movement until there has been an arousing. Unless there is a sense of distance from God there will never be a desire to reach after Him. This Psalm is the expression of a soul disturbed, distressed, dissatisfied. Within the disturbed heart of one who can no longer find peace while living among godless people, God has awakened longings after Himself.

In the uncongenial environment in which the Psalmist finds himself lying lips and deceitful tongues are prevalent. His soul, now awakened, recognizes what a hazard these represent. A hazard, not only in the sense of the possibility of falling victim to falsehood and deception, but also of soul corruption. To dwell among the ungodly brings the danger of defilement.

Thus the Psalmist learned that prayer for protection from evil was not in itself enough. A pilgrim soul following after God must separate from evil:

"Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of

Meshech was situated at the extreme North of Palestine and Kedar at the extreme South. It was thus impossible for the Psalmist to dwell at the same time at locations so far apart. Nonetheless, he identifies his spiritual condition as distanced from Zion and his environment as surrounded by godless people typically represented by Meshech and Kedar. There is pathos in his words "My soul hath long had her dwelling ..." Literally these words can be translated, "Too long my soul hath had her dwelling ...". The Psalmist now turns his face toward Zion and he longs for God; the first step in ascending spiritual experience has been taken.

Age-abiding principles are emphasized here. If our souls have felt no disturbance, no awakening to the character of the age in which we live, if we have no sense of its perils, then we need revival from the Lord. If we feel at home in this world then we need to respond to the word of the Lord "to make our calling and election sure" (2 Pet. 1:10). For, say the apostle Paul, "What communion bath light with darkness ... what concord hath Christ with Belial?" These questions challenge our attitudes, actions and affinities. Friendships and pursuits are scrutinized in the query, "What portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?" The first step in sanctification is to heed the call, "Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate ..." (2 Cor. 6:14-17).

L.C. Shattock, Leicester | Jan 1982
The Songs Of Ascents