Psalm Reflections - Week 2

Psalms of Ascent - Psalms 120,121,122

Although I sit here looking out on my own back yard as I write, you will be reading this as we literally "go up to Jerusalem"! What a special time! Know of our prayers for you from these sacred places!

We have noted previously, the Psalter is interesting in its diversity. Here we have a little collection of 15 psalms (psalms 120 - 134) that are called "Psalms of Ascent" or "Gradual Psalms". Why are they so named and why were they gathered together? One suggestion offered is that each of these psalms has a rhythm in Hebrew that corresponds to the irregular steps one climbs as they go up to the temple precincts. Those of us visiting Jerusalem and the southwestern wall of the temple area will notice this. So literally these songs would have been prayed as one walks or strides to the Lord's house!

Another and perhaps a better explanation for this collection is that these psalms form a liturgical collection of prayers prayed by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. Whether these are returning exiles or the faithful living in the Diaspora and making the dangerous journey to Jerusalem, they speak of a simple piety and devotion that is part of such a journey: awareness of dangers, difficulties of travel, weariness, the challenge posed by close living quarters, expectation, joy, confidence and thanksgiving. Such are the mixed feelings of anyone who sets off on such a journey even today! Jerusalem is the focal point of each of these psalms if one understands that Jerusalem is the place of God's dwelling and the pilgrimage is toward this God who can bring safety, prosperity, comfort, peace and all good things. So we can each pray these psalms because in our pilgrimage toward our God, we each experience this. A pilgrimage can be geographical or it can be a journey of the heart.

The three psalms selected for our prayer this week introduce the collection and reflect on one or other aspect of such a pilgrimage. There is an acknowledgement of the need for God expressed in Psalm 120 then the anticipation and the overwhelming joy at setting out and arriving in Jerusalem (Psalm 122) and the blessing that sends one home, renewed for the arduous journey and filled with new life (Psalm 121).

In Psalm 120, read vs 1 and vs 5. What is the disposition of the psalmist? Have you ever felt like this? "Mesech" and "Keder" refer to far away places of danger where it seems the psalmist lives. These are places far away from Jerusalem, from where God dwells. It may literally refer to the Diaspora or to the distance of the heart when one feels separated from God. How often do we feel like this? BUT the psalmist knows what must be done…set out on the way to Jerusalem…the way to God! Such is not always a smooth walk! Is this a place on the map or can it also be this inward journey of the heart where one can renew their relationship with God? How would you answer this? Can it be both? Not everyone can set out for Jerusalem, but we can all set our feet on the way to God!

The curse against the "treacherous tongue" and the "lying lip" may catch us off guard. There are dangers to our peace, our trust and our confidence in God. We encounter this every day. Ultimately, this is a prayer of confidence that God will manage the threat. We do not have to. What can we learn from this?

Psalm 122 is a resounding prayer of praise to the God who dwells in Jerusalem! Joy overflows in the heart of the pilgrim who sets foot in Jerusalem, in God's presence! Peace, security and prosperity are to be found in proximity to Jerusalem/God. Doesn't this bear witness to the importance of right relationship? All good things come together with such a right relationship. Recall that last week we reflected on this biblical understanding of Wisdom?

There is a reference to the "House of David". This takes us back to the covenant between the family of David and God. Here two houses are mentioned: house of David and the house of God ("thrones for judgment" refer to the temple where God dwells, from here God judges). This is the heart of the Jerusalem (Zion) traditions. The Davidic Covenant tradition includes the dynasty that will last forever and the city of Jerusalem that will stand firm. The monarchy is to bear witness to the compassion and faithfulness of God. These covenant qualities of God are to be insured through the dynasty of David. This is the way all know of the presence of God! In this way will peace (Shalom) be possible.

Turning back to Psalm 121, we might see the pilgrim returning home, now renewed. Indeed, anyone who has seen the mountains that surround Jerusalem, know how the memory remains to give joy and hope. Contrast the words of Psalm 121 with those of Psalm 120! In this psalm it seems the pilgrim has gained confidence for the journey back home with some strength and hope that will keep the experience of God alive. The psalmist does not seem to be troubled by the difficulty of the journey home! God will protect and shield, guard and keep his faithful one. God keeping watch over us, never taking rest is a wonderful image and expression of confidence. The Lord guards our "going out and our coming in". This is a "merism" suggesting both ends of the spectrum and implying all that is in between.

As we have reflected on these psalms, hopefully you see that they are not only about the pilgrimage of ancient Israel. This is the living word of God and we can make these our own without ever leaving home. The psalms are purposely vague so we can see ourselves in them. It is helpful to imagine praying the psalms on 3 levels: 1) as ancient Israel would have 2) as Jesus and the early Christians might have 3) as we, today, adapt the word of God to nourish us. For us, Jerusalem is not necessarily that geographical place that is the heart of Israel, but the "New Jerusalem". It is true that we cannot understand the designation "New Jerusalem" unless we understand what "Jerusalem" meant in the biblical tradition. This represents the dwelling presence of God. We understand this in ways that ancient Israel could not: we see in the life of Jesus, Emmanuel: God with us! In the gift of the Spirit we know of God's abiding presence. Too much for us to talk about here!

As we pray these psalms this week (remember, at least twice each day-listening to God speaking) recall that Jesus would have prayed these as he went up to Jerusalem. Return to the Gospel (Luke 2:22ff and 19:28-45).

You may find re-reading 1 Kings Ch 8 and 9 also as meaningful. Reflecting on the dedication of the Temple recalls the significance of Zion/Jerusalem in the tradition of the Old Testament.