Psalm 121: A Song of Ascents - My Help Comes From the Lord

Psalm 121 is the best known psalm of the songs of ascents, which the pil­grims probably sang as they made their way over the rough tracks leading up to Jerusalem to attend the great annual feasts. These words have over the years brought much comfort and help to believers in time of need. This psalm is often called "the traveller's psalm" or "the pilgrim’s psalm." This article is an exposition of Psalm 121

Psalm 122: A Song of Ascents - 'Let Us Go to the House of the Lord'

Psalm 122 is a psalm used by the pilgrims as they were "going up" to Jerusalem. It’s a meditation on "Jerusalem"—which was a very im­portant place for the ancient pil­grims. It was the centre of Israel’s life; it was where they went up to give thanks to the Lord; it was where judgements were made and where justice was dispensed; it was where the annual festivals were observed; it was where God had made a home—in his holy temple. This article is an exposition of Psalm 122

Psalm 123: A Song of Ascents - 'To You I Lift Up My Eyes'

This is a song about the pil­grims as they ascended to Jerusa­lem for worship. Each of these psalms reminds us that we too are pilgrims, that "this world is not our home." We too are marching to­ward Zion. We too, like the psalm­ist, may also experience the pain of this world’s contempt. This article is an exposition of Psalm 123.

Psalm 124: A Song of Ascents - 'Our Help is in The Name of The Lord'

Psalm 124 is a song of thanksgiving to God, ac­knowledging what He has done. He has wrought great and miracu­lous deliverances not only for David, but also for the nation of Israel. As a result he exhorts us to "Praise the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth." This article is an exposition of Psalm 124

Psalm 125: A Song of Ascents - 'The Lord Surrounds His People'

Psalm 125 is a psalm sung by the pilgrims on their journey up to Jeru­salem. As they did so, it didn’t es­cape their attention that the city was surrounded by mountains. Jerusalem was strategically situated. Derek Kidner paints the picture for us: "The hills and the holy city, much in view and much in mind to the pilgrims, make their presence felt again; and once more the thoughts they arouse are searching and fundamental, piercing to the realities behind these impressive sights." This article is an exposition of Psalm 125

Psalm 127: A Song of Ascents - All is Vanity When the Lord is Left Out

This article is an exposition of Psalm 127, a song of ascents sung by the pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem - as well as dur­ing their stay in the city. It’s the eighth psalm of ascents - and it sits at the centre and the heart of this mini-psalter. I wonder if that’s significant. Perhaps, both by position and theme, it is stressing the point that if our lives are to be worthwhile and meaningful, the Lord must be at the centre and heart of all our activities. Without the Lord, everything is pointless.

Psalm 128 - A Song of Blessing A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 128. This psalm follows naturally from the previous one, in which the Lord is spoken of as the builder of the home. This psalm is an overview of a godly man’s life. It sweeps through the stages of life from marriage, to children and grandchildren - all in the space of six verses. How time flies! It’s a psalm that reflects on life.

Psalm 130: A Song of Ascents - There is Forgiveness!

This article is an exposition of Psalm 130, which is part of the section of psalms entitled "Psalms of Ascents" that the ancient pilgrims sang on their way up to Je­rusalem. But the Psalm itself also ascends spiritually; it begins in the depths of loneliness, distress and despair, and rises to the heights of faith, assurance and exhortation. As we approach this psalm, I would suggest it tells us two things we should know, and two things we should do.

Psalm 131: A Song of Ascents - Humility And How I Achieved It!

This article is an exposition of Psalm 131. Though one of the shortest psalms, it is one of the hardest to truly learn. Why? Because it is all about humility and contentment and peace in our hearts - which does not exactly come easy to us. Paul said, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" (Philippians 4:11), although he was not (we gather) a naturally contented person. He didn’t suffer fools gladly. That may explain why God sent him a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:1-10).

Psalm 132: A Song of Ascents -The Lord Has Chosen Zion

This article is an exposition of Psalm 132. This psalm of ascents is all about Jerusalem, Zion, David and his hopes and vision of the future. Imagine the pilgrims standing in Jerusalem admiring the city and its magnificent temple. They are reminded of the driving force of the man behind it, and recall the trouble and effort that David expended to see it built.

Psalm 133 - Behold the Beauty and Blessing of Unity

This article is an exposition of Psalm 133. This brief but beautiful psalm extols the value and virtues of Christian fellowship. It is a charming and challenging psalm of David. Perhaps it was written when he became king over all Israel; or when he brought the ark to Jerusalem - thus linking it with Psalm 132. It was a very appropriate psalm for the ancient pilgrims to sing as they met in assembly with other worshippers in Jerusalem. It is still a very appropriate psalm to sing when believers gather together in fellowship.