Wednesday
Under the number of the psalm there is a subtitle that says “A Song of Ascents”. These psalms were songs that Jewish pilgrims would have song on the road as they made their way to Jerusalem for one of three annual festivals.
The people would sing out one line and the priest would respond with a second line. For example, psalm 121 verse 1 the people would say “I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come?” and then the priest or some other person of authority would respond with “My help comes from the lord, who made heaven and earth.” Sort of a responsive singing – like we used to do (in the old days) with responsive readings of the psalms.
I can imagine that it made the journey go faster, or more pleasant. It would lift up the hearts of those traveling and those whom they passed on their way. These psalms are filled with encouragement and a sense of pride in a God who watches over them – who never sleeps, who protects them from danger, from wicked people.
I can just feel the emotion of these psalms, the thankful spirit of the travelers. The excitement of the festival they would be attending. Do you suppose that Jesus sang these psalms, as well, when he traveled to Jerusalem?
Singing God’s praises
Pastor Kathy