"Songs of Ascent"

When I was on the plane returning from an eight day visit to Jerusalem, the Lord brought a Bible verse into my mind. It was Psalm 120:5, in the first of the fifteen Psalms that comprise the "Song of Ascents." After looking at the Psalm, I realized that it accurately describes the situation today between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Then I recalled an offhand comment that my friend Stan Goodenough had made while we were in Jerusalem, about the significance of the "song of ascents." So I decided to look at them in more detail, and was absolutely astonished at what I saw. This group of fifteen Psalms is describing the progression of events from the point of conflict between Israel and those who want her land, all the way through to the rebuilding of the Temple, the restoration of Israel, and the coming of the Lord Jesus to Mount Zion!

Take a look at the following chronology of future events as described in the "song of ascents" and see how amazing and wonderful this is!

• Psalm 120 - Ascent 1 - Distress call from Israel in response to deceitful, warlike people in their midst
• Psalm 121 - Ascent 2 - Assurance of help and the Lord's constant watchfulness in spite of those enemies on the surrounding hills
• Psalm 122 - Ascent 3 - A call to go up to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem
• Psalm 123 - Ascent 4 - A request for mercy in response to the contempt and scorn inflicted by the arrogant
• Psalm 124 - Ascent 5 - The Lord is on the side of Israel, helping them when attacked by those whose anger flared up
• Psalm 125 - Ascent 6 - The Lord's people trust in Him for security, and he banishes the others from the land allotted to Israel
• Psalm 126 - Ascent 7 - Great joy on the restoration the fortunes of Zion!
• Psalm 127 - Ascent 8 - The Lord builds the house!
• Psalm 128 - Ascent 9 - The Lord's blessing from Zion to those who fear Him
• Psalm 129 - Ascent 10 - Israel, greatly oppressed for a long time, is now free from those who hate Zion
• Psalm 130 - Ascent 11 - Israel cries out for forgiveness, and the Lord responds with unfailing love and full redemption
• Psalm 131 - Ascent 12 - Israel humbles itself and puts its hope in the Lord
• Psalm 132 - Ascent 13 - The Lord returns to Zion, His chosen resting place, remembering His oath with David
• Psalm 133 - Ascent 14 - Brothers dwell in unity, enjoying the Lord's blessings from Mount Zion
• Psalm 134 - Ascent 15 - Continual praise and blessing from the house of the Lord on Mount Zion