“THE SONGS OF ASCENTS”

The next fifteen psalms are known as “the Songs of Ascents.” They are thought to be the songs the Jewish pilgrims sang when they went up to Jerusalem for the feasts three times each year. Whoever made this selection chose four psalms by David and one by Solomon; the other ten are anonymous.

The Hebrew word translated “ascents” also means “degrees,” and for this reason some scholars relate this special collection to King Hezekiah and his experience related in Isaiah 38. The fifteen psalms mark the fifteen years added to his life, and the ten anonymous psalms are a reminder of the shadow going back ten degrees.

The emphasis in this “hymnal within the hymnal” is on trusting the God of Mount Zion, even in the midst of suffering and trial. The writers describe both the trials and the triumphs of the people of God and reveal that God is with His people—no matter what the difficulty.

Wiersbe, Warren W.. With The Word Bible Commentary:

Categories: Studiu biblic