Psalms 120-131
What I Noticed Today (Psalms 120-131)
Psalms of Ascents
Psalms 120-134 are known as the Psalms of Ascents. They were sung as pilgrims ascended to Jerusalem for annual feasts. Four of the psalms are ascribed to David (122, 124, 131, and 133), one is ascribed to Solomon (127), and ten are anonymous.
Psalm 120
Psalms 120 is a prayer for deliverance from liars.
In verses 1-2, the psalmist prays for deliverance from liars.
In verses 3-4, the psalmist prays for the Lord to destroy the liars.
In verses 5-7, the psalmist laments dwelling amidst those who hate peace while he wants peace.
Psalm 121
In verses 1-2, the psalmist says his help comes from the Lord.
In verses 3-8, the psalmist switches from “I” and ‘my’ to ‘he’ and ‘your’ as though someone is with him. He says God watches over his people and will protect them at all times.
Psalm 122
Psalm 122 is a psalm of David calling on everyone to pray for peace.
In verses 1-2, David says he is delighted to go to Jerusalem.
In verses 3-5, David speaks of Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Israel.
In verses 6-9, David asks the people to pray for peace for the sake of the people as well as for the sake of the city itself.
Psalm 123
In verses 1-2, the psalmist lifts up his eyes to heaven like a servant to a master.
In verses 3-4, the psalmist prays for mercy because the people have endured contempt and scorn.
Psalm 124
In verses 1-5, the psalmist praises God for protecting the people against the anger of the enemies who would have destroyed them.
In verses 6-8, the psalmist praises the Lord for not giving up on the people and helping them to escape from those who would destroy them.
Psalm 125
In verses 1-3, the psalmist says that those who trust in the Lord are secure. He says the Lord surrounds his people like the mountains surround Jerusalem.
In verses 4-5, the psalmist prays that the Lord will bless those who are good and lead away from the evildoers.
Psalm 126
In verses 1-3, the psalmist speaks of the joy the exiles felt when the Lord brought them back.
In verses 4-6, the psalmist prays that the Lord will restore the people. He uses a metaphor of sowing and reaping (that their work in sowing would bring a joyful harvest) to depict the spreading of God’s Word.
Psalm 127
Psalm 127 was written by Solomon and focused on the futility of building or laboring without God.
In verses 1-2, Solomon says a builder builds, and a watchman watches in vain without God.
In verses 3-5, Solomon refers to children as a reward and a blessing from the Lord.
Psalm 128
In verses 1-2, the psalmist says those who fear the Lord will be blessed.
In verses 2-4, the psalmist says the blessing includes having many children.
In verses 5-6, the psalmist calls for the Lord’s blessing on those who fear the Lord and that they live long lives (see their children’s children) in peace.
Psalm 129
In verses 1-4, the psalmist invites the people of Israel to say that though they have been afflicted, they have not been overcome by their oppressors because the righteous Lord had cut off the wicked.
In verses 5-8, the psalmist prays that the enemies of Israel would be put to shame, turned away, and not receive the Lord’s blessing.
Psalm 130
In verses 1-2, the psalmist cries out to the Lord for mercy.
In verses 3-4, the psalmist says no one with sin can stand before the Lord, but with God there is forgiveness.
In verses 5-8, the psalmist declares that he is waiting patiently for the Lord and encourages the people to put their hope in the Lord. Because of the Lord’s love, He would redeem them from their sins.
Psalm 131
Psalm 131 is a psalm of David who speaks of his trust in the Lord.
In verses 1-2, David claims that he has not been prideful but that he had depended on the Lord.
In verse 3, David called on the people of Israel to put their hope in the Lord forever.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.