Ascending

Usually it helps to know how something was used originally as we look at scriptures. But it may not be quite as important with the Psalms of Ascent.

The Psalms of Ascent are 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) which progressively draw us into worship. Some call them the Psalms of Degrees and suspect that they signify 15 steps in the temple going up from the court of women to the court of men. In that scenario, with musical accompaniment, a priest standing on each step would recite a Psalm in ascending order.

Others suggest that pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for one of the three Great Festivals of the year would sing these Psalms in order as preparation for the Festival.

However they were originally used, we can see the principle: these Psalms lead into worship.

Starting with a cry for protection from enemies in Psalm 120, the Psalms of Ascent examine different aspects of our relationship with God.

If you’ve never read these Psalms with that idea in mind, make a plan to do that. It will be a rich experience.

Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord. May the Lord, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

Psalms 134:1-3