The Songs of Ascent, also known as the Psalms of Ascent, are a collection of 15 psalms (Psalms 120-134) that are believed to have been sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. The songs get their name from the superscriptions found at the beginning of each psalm, which contain the Hebrew word “ma’alah” meaning “ascent” or “step.” This likely refers to these psalms being sung by pilgrims as they “ascended” or climbed the road to Jerusalem, which sits at a higher elevation than much of surrounding region.
The 15 Songs of Ascent are as follows:
- Psalm 120
- Psalm 121
- Psalm 122
- Psalm 123
- Psalm 124
- Psalm 125
- Psalm 126
- Psalm 127
- Psalm 128
- Psalm 129
- Psalm 130
- Psalm 131
- Psalm 132
- Psalm 133
- Psalm 134
The Songs of Ascent are similar in form and content to others in the book of Psalms. They express trust in God’s protection, gratitude for God’s blessings, anticipation of the coming Messiah, lament over difficult life circumstances, and more. Here is a brief overview of the major themes found in the Songs of Ascent:
Trust in God’s Protection
Multiple psalms emphasize trust in God’s protection during life’s difficult journeys and circumstances. For example, Psalm 121 proclaims “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). Psalm 124 acknowledges that “if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive” (Psalm 124:2-3). Psalm 125 compares those who trust in the Lord to Mount Zion, which “cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Psalm 125:1).
Gratitude for God’s Blessings
Several psalms overflow with thanksgiving for God’s blessings. Psalm 126 recounts God bringing back the captives to Zion, filling them with laughter and joy. Psalm 128 uses beautiful imagery of a fruitful vine and olive plants to illustrate blessings that come to those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways. Psalm 134 is a short song of blessing pronounced over the servants of the Lord who minister in His house.
Anticipation of the Coming Messiah
Psalm 132 focuses on David’s commitment to find a dwelling place for God and references God’s promise that a descendant of David will rule on the throne forever (132:11-12). This points ahead to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be born in the line of David. Psalm 133 also references this anticipation, speaking of the blessing that comes through “brothers dwelling in unity” (133:1), which points forward to the unity that comes through Christ.
Lament Over Difficult Circumstances
Some psalms give voice to sorrow over painful circumstances. Psalm 120 is a prayer for deliverance from deceitful and evil people. Psalm 123 laments being surrounded by contempt and ridicule. Psalm 129 remembers fierce affliction and oppression. Yet even in lament, the psalmists cling to trust in God’s purposes and deliverance.
Beyond these major themes, the Songs of Ascent cover a variety of topics and emotions expressed through praise, prayer, remembrance, and worship. They provide insight into the heart posture of those traveling to worship God in Jerusalem and capture universal truths about reliance on God through all of life’s ups and downs. Though originally sung by Old Testament pilgrims, these psalms continue to resonate with worshippers today.
Some additional details worth noting about the Songs of Ascent include:
- They were likely compiled for use as a prayer book for those making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the three major annual feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.
- Psalms 120-134 form a subdivision within the larger collection of psalms.
- Only Psalm 122 specifically references Jerusalem, but others allude to Zion and the temple.
- Several psalms include superscriptions related to David, Solomon, and moments in Israel’s history.
- There are various theories about the order and arrangement of the 15 psalms.
- They encompass different types of psalms such as songs of trust, thanksgiving, lament, ascent/pilgrimage, Zion, and blessing.
In summary, the Songs of Ascent offer a unique collection of psalms tied together by their common association with pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship God. They provide encouragement, perspective, and blessings for those undertaking difficult journeys. As part of the biblical psalms, they continue to enrich the spiritual lives of modern readers.
The Songs of Ascent have remained cherished by God’s people up to the present day. They have endured as classics of faith and worship through their poetic beauty, candid emotions, prophetic anticipations, and ever-relevant life lessons. They model raw, honest expressions of the soul coupled with steadfast hope in the Lord’s purposes. For pilgrims past and present, the Songs of Ascent capture the mixed joys and sorrows of the journey, while orienting our eyes and hearts toward worshipping God in His dwelling place.
Though composed long ago, these psalms offer timeless perspective for all who walk through highs and lows of life while trusting in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Believers today can continue to sing these songs to orient their steps and voices toward ascending to worship the Lord with expectant hearts.