The Flow of the Psalms – Introduction

Very often the book of Psalms is seen as a random collection of individual poems on a variety of topics. This framework assures very little to no awareness exists of a comprehension of the book’s total message, specific emphases, or any flow of the book’s structure and theology. Taking into account the structure of the book of Psalms as a whole makes significant contributions to the interpretive process. In the Introduction these points are expanded upon by Robertson.

All is Vanity When the Lord is Left Out Psalm 127 — A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 127. This is a song of ascents sung by the pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem — as well as dur­ing their stay in the city. It’s the 8th psalm of ascents — and it sits at the centre and heart of this mini psalter. I wonder if that’s significant. Perhaps, both by position and theme it’s stressing the point that if our lives are to be worthwhile and meaningful, the Lord must be at the centre and heart of all our activities. Without the Lord everything is pointless.

Behold the Beauty and Blessing of Unity Psalm 133

This article is an exposition of Psalm 133. This is a brief but beautiful psalm extolling the value and virtues of Christian fellowship. It’s a charming and challenging psalm. It’s a psalm of David. Perhaps it was written when he became king over all Israel; or when he brought the ark to Jerusalem — thus linking it with Psalm 132. It was a very appropriate psalm for the ancient pilgrims to sing as they met in assembly with other worshippers in Jerusalem. It’s still a very appropriate psalm to sing when believers gather together in fellowship.

Humility And How I Achieved It! Psalm 131 — A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 131. Though one of the shortest psalms, it’s one of the hardest to learn. Why? Because it’s all about humility and contentment and peace in our hearts — which doesn’t exactly come easy. Paul said, ‘I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content’ (Phil. 4:11). He was not (we gather) a naturally contented person. He didn’t suffer fools gladly. That may explain why God sent him a thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:1-10). God intended to humble him because without humility there is no true holiness.

The Lord Has Chosen Zion Psalm 132 — A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 132. This psalm of ascents is all about Jerusalem, Zion, David and his hopes and vision of the future. Imagine the pilgrims standing in Jerusalem admiring the city and the magnificent Temple. They are reminded of the driving force of the man behind it. They recall the trouble and effort that David expended to see it built.

There is Forgiveness! Psalm 130 — A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 130. It’s part of the section of psalms entitled ‘Psalms of Ascents’ that the ancient pilgrims sang on their way up to Je­rusalem. But it also ascends spiritually; it begins in the depths of loneliness, distress and despair and rises to the heights of faith, assurance and exhortation. As we approach this psalm, I’d suggest it tells us two things we should know, and two things we should do.

They Have Greatly Oppressed Me Psalm 129 — A Song of Ascents

This article is an exposition of Psalm 129. Psalm 129 compares with Psalm 124. Both speak of sore affliction and wonderful deliverance. Both begin with words which are repeated in the first two verses. In both the song leader uses the familiar exhortation, ‘let Israel now say.’ In this psalm, Israel is exhorted to remember her past afflictions and suffering; and to recall God’s faithfulness and righteousness.

'Let Us Go to the House of the Lord' Psalm 122: A Song of Ascents

This is a psalm used by the pilgrims as they were ‘going up’ to Jerusalem. It’s a meditation on ‘Jerusalem’ — which was a very im­portant place for the ancient pil­grims. It was the centre of Israel’s life: it was where they went up to give thanks to the Lord; it was where judgements were made and where justice was dispensed; it was where the annual festivals were observed; it was where God had made a home — in his holy Temple. This article is an exposition of Psalm 122

My Help Comes From the Lord Psalm 121: A Song of Ascents

This is the best known psalm of the songs of ascents — which the pil­grims probably sang as they made their way over the rough tracks leading up to Jerusalem to attend the great annual feasts. These words have over the years brought much comfort and help to believers in time of need. It’s often called ‘the travellers psalm’ or ‘the pilgrim’s psalm’. This article is an exposition of Psalm 121

'The Lord Surrounds His People' Psalm 125: A Song of Ascents

This is a psalm sung by the pilgrims on their journey up to Jeru­salem. As they did so it didn’t es­cape their attention that the city was surrounded by mountains. Jerusalem was strategically situated. Derek Kidner paints the picture for us, ‘The hills and the holy city, much in view and much in mind to the pilgrims, make their presence felt again; and once more the thoughts they arouse are searching and fundamental, piercing to the realities behind these impressive sights’. This article is an exposition of Psalm 125

The Psalter Reclaimed – What Are We Doing Singing the Psalms

In this chapter Wenham first gives a brief overview of the history of the use of the Psalms in congregational worship. He also discusses the specific impact of setting the words of the Psalms to music. Wenham further notes a secondary use of the Psalms, as a resource for private meditation and devotion. He suggests that the book of Psalms is a deliberately organized anthology designed for memorization.