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[1] Psalms 120-134 all have the heading “A Song of Ascents (ma`alah).” Israel’s life was one of pilgrimage/ascent whether it was from Egypt (cf. Deut.26:5-9); going up/ascending to (ma`alah/`alah) Jerusalem to appear before the Most High (’elyown); or return from exile, Three times a year all
your males are to appear before the Lord Yahweh, the God of Israel. For I will drive out nations before you and
enlarge your borders, and no man shall covet your land when you go up (`alah) three times a year to
appear before the Yahweh your God. (Exodus 34:23-24; see also Ezra 7:9) For on the first of
the first month he began to go up from (ma`alah) Babylon; and on
the first of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, because the good hand of
his God was upon him. (Ezra
7:9) These Psalms would have also brought to mind the going up of the
nations to/against Jerusalem (Psalm 47:2,5,9; 87; 124:2-5; Isaiah 7:1,5-6;
14:11-23; 36:1,10). This collection of Psalms commemorating Israel’s past journeys serves
for current use of pilgrims commencing or concluding their travels. |
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[2]
Psalm 121
concludes on a similar note, “Yahweh will guard your going out and
your coming in From this time forth and forever.” |
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[3] To
hear Psalm 125 listen to Sons
of Korah. |
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[4] Psalm 128 concludes the same way. |
