Songs of the Great Ascent - Who May Ascend

This week we begin a new series on what may be the loveliest group of psalms in the Psalter. Psalms 120–134 are titled ‘Songs of Ascents’. What does that mean? Alec Motyer observes that the simplest explanation is often the best. He writes,

     “The plural word ‘ascents’ could be what in Hebrew is called a ‘plural of magnitude’ – ‘the Great Ascent’, or it can be left as a simple plural, an ‘ascent’ that happened over and over again. Either way, it readily points to the journeys of pilgrims from all over the land ‘up’ to Jerusalem to keep the Feasts of the Lord.” (Journey: Psalms for Pilgrim People)

The Christian life is lived on the ascent. “The way to heaven is ascending,” wrote Jonathan Edwards. “We must be content to travel up hill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of the flesh.”

Growing in godliness does not come naturally or easily. Saying no to sin and self and yes to holiness is a constant struggle. We wrestle internally to do what is pleasing in the sight of God. Why? Because sin has a massive spiritual g-force. With each Spirit-empowered step forward, the powers of hell seek to shove us backward. Hence, we are implored to “lay aside every weight” of sin that wraps so tightly around us as we step out in the Christian life (Heb. 12:1). But Satan will use everything at his disposal to drag us down and frustrate our progress. Will you come and go with us?

What are the Psalms of Ascents?

Nowhere else does Scripture employ such rich and effective imagery of the believer’s heavenward pilgrimage than in the ‘Songs of the Great Ascent’. These fifteen songs, Psalms 120-134, nestled together near the end of the Psalter, were likely sung by Hebrew pilgrims making their way to the Holy City, Jerusalem, for one of the annual sacred celebrations (Passover, Feast of Booths, and the Feast of Weeks).

These are songs “of the homeward marches.” Even more specifically, the lyrics draw the singers’ voices – and affections – to Zion, the center of worship within the Holy City and “the joy of the whole earth” (Ps. 48:2). They portray a journey from far away toward the very presence of God, reflected in Israel’s three major pilgrimage festivals. We can picture worshipers singing them as they traveled up to Jerusalem for these sacred gatherings.

The Psalms of the Great Ascent are intended to take us on a spiritual journey closer to God, through the various difficulties and trials that can come which might prevent that journey or derail us from it. They are intended to help us make a pilgrimage back to God. We might start far away, even in a land of gossip and slander, but gradually, by following their path, we can end up in a place where there is ‘blessing.’

When you read the Psalms of Ascent, you should think of yourself as embarking. You are starting a journey. It is your journey. It is all in relation to God, centers on God, and is intended to honor God. Enjoy these psalms. They are meant to be read, sung, digested, wrestled over, and most of all put in your backpack and taken with you on a spiritual journey to the Father heart of God.

Walking with God,

Pastor Wayne