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

This article is an exposition of Psalm 127. This is another 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 8th psalm of ascents — and thus sits at the centre and heart of this mini psalter. I wonder if that’s significant. Perhaps, both by position and theme it’s 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.

Behold the Beauty and Blessing of Unity Psalm 133

This article is an exposition of Psalm 133. This is a brief but beautiful psalm extolling the value and virtues of Christian fellowship. It’s a charming and challenging psalm. It’s a 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’s still a very appropriate psalm to sing when believers gather together in fellowship.

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

This article is an exposition of Psalm 131. Though one of the shortest psalms, it’s one of the hardest to learn. Why? Because it’s all about humility and contentment and peace in our hearts — which doesn’t exactly come easy. Paul said, ‘I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content’ (Phil. 4:11). 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 Cor. 12:1-10).

The Lord Has Chosen Zion Psalm 132 — A Song of Ascents

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

There is Forgiveness! Psalm 130 — A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 130. This a psalm of ascents in more ways than one. It’s part of the section of psalms entitled ‘Psalms of Ascents’ that the ancient pilgrims sang on their way up to Je­rusalem. But it 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’d suggest it tells us two things we should know, and two things we should do.

They Have Greatly Oppressed Me Psalm 129 — A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 129. Psalm 129 compares with Psalm 124. Both speak of sore affliction and wonderful deliverance. Both begin with words which are repeated in the first two verses. In both the song leader uses the familiar exhortation, ‘let Israel now say.’ In this psalm Israel is exhorted to remember her past afflictions and suffering; and to recall God’s faithfulness and righteousness (4a).

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

This is another 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 (4); it was where judgements were made and where justice was dispensed (5); 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

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

This is the best known of the psalms for ascent — 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. It’s often called ‘the travellers psalm’ or ‘the pilgrim’s psalm’. This article is an exposition of Psalm 121

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

This is another 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 ringed 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