A Song of Ascents: Walking, Trusting and Praising
Pray
Introduction
The circumstances that led to this psalm and specifically which cause the psalmist to look to the mountains are not clearly stated. The implication of his looking for help is that he may have been in a state of anxiety or distress. On a more pragmatic level, aren't we all in need of the Lord's help to one degree or another every day? As Paul reminds us in Acts 17:27-28, God ‘is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ We need His help every moment of every day.
The Songs (Psalms) of Ascent comprised Psalms 120-134, which together appear to have formed a ‘hymn book’ used by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem (which is elevated). Most interpreters feel that these 15 psalms were sung in the context of the great pilgrimage feasts in which the nation of Israel was called to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate:
(1) the Feast of Unleavened Bread (commemorating the Exodus) in the Spring, (2) the Feast of the Harvest or Weeks (Pentecost - the expression of gratitude for the provision of grain) in the early Summer, and (3) the Feast of Booths or Ingathering (Tabernacles - expression of thanksgiving for the final harvest) in the Fall. ( Ex 23:14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ; Isa 30:29 ).
It is also very possible that these psalms of ascent were among those sung by the returning exiles from Babylon as they ascended the mountains to Jerusalem and home (Ezra 2:1; 7:7).
Read Psalm 121
1. Why does the psalmist ‘lift up [his] eyes to the hills’? This Hebrew phrase (‘lift up my eyes’) frequently indicates a looking and seeing with anticipation of or disposition toward the object. See Psalm 123:1.
2. The AV says, ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.’ What emphasis does ‘will’ add to the statement? What difference does it make if the second half of verse 1 is a question instead of a statement?
3. Why is the first person used in the first two verses, but the second person in the next six?
4. What threats do verses 5 & 6 promise God’s protection from? How do they apply today? (A couple of ideas: Psalm 91:5-6; James 1:10-11)
5. What is the theme of this Psalm 121? What would be a good title for it?
6. If you wanted to memorise one verse from this psalm, which would it be and why?
7. This psalm was sung by pilgrims. Think of a journey or pilgrimage you might be on today where this psalm would be a fitting prayer or song. What are some pitfalls to avoid on your journey? What are some threats you need to be protected from? How would you pray this psalm for yourself?