On the Psalms of Ascents and Holy Week

One of my favorite books of all time is my well-worn copy of Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. He depicts the journey of the Jewish Pilgrim–he even suggests families traveling together–to the three religious or “pilgrim” feasts in Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). Psalms 120-134 are known as the Songs of Ascents. Because Jerusalem is almost 2500 feet above sea level, much of the journey was “going up.”  Ultimately, the pilgrims physically ascended Mount Zion to Jerusalem and finally to the Temple to worship. 

The Pilgrim begins his journey far from God, far from Jerusalem, far from the Temple. Psalm 120 is a lament, a cry of distress. He feels distant from his Creator, and he cries in distress. Psalms 121–my favorite–causes me to imagine a father instructing his children as (in Peterson’s description), they look to the hills where pagan sacrifices are being offered and rhetorically asks where his family’s help comes from. He answers his own question (perhaps for the benefit of his children) and then speaks specifically about God’s protection. In Psalm 122, he looks at a different hill–Mt. Zion–and declares his trust and hope. The next three read like a prayer journal: Psalm 123 is a prayer for mercy, Psalm 124 is thanksgiving for deliverance (help) and 125 is adoration, affirmation that God provides, protects, and blesses. 

As the pilgrim gets closer the joy increases: I can hear him shout of the great things Yahweh has done (126) and in Psalm 127, the destination seems to be in sight as the family arrives for worship. It is about the Temple and is authored by Solomon who built it. The poetry turns from the Temple to the home in Psalm 128–perhaps the dad is overwhelmed with gratitude that his family is there for worship and he expresses joy for what we call discipleship.

Psalms 129 and 130  back away to a more global plea that God would help (129) and redeem and restore Israel (130)–maybe reminding me to continue to pray for our nation and for the nations. Psalm 130 is one of the seven major penitential psalms.

Psalm 131 is a prayer of humility, trust and childlike surrender. The father models for his children that he is resting in God with a soul at peace, even as they journey on. Psalms 132 expresses trust in God’s plan for His people (and for this family?)  and 133 makes me think of seeing other pilgrim families as they all arrive at the Temple to worship. Psalm 134 closes the collection with a call to worship and an expression of gratitude for those who serve. 

Holy Week is our pilgrimage. We pray that families are on a spiritual journey to worship on Easter. Palm Sunday speaks of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the fickle affections of the crowds (and us).  Maundy Thursday recalls the meal Jesus had with His disciples as He tried to prepare them for a new paradigm of salvation–one that involved His death, burial, resurrection and return.  Good Friday is a sobering reminder of the extent of the suffering–the price for our sins. Easter–resurrection day–is like the families have arrived to celebrate that the story didn’t end with a trial or torture or a tomb, but with the glorious message that our crucified Savior has risen indeed. Let’s put on our best, get the kids in the car and journey to church on Sunday to “lift up our hands to the Sanctuary and bless the Lord.” (134:2).