Lord's Day Devotion - Songs of Ascent

They say, "curiosity killed the cat."  There's an addendum to that, "...but satisfaction brought him back."  That cat had not yet used up it's nine lives.  Ha, ha!

It was certainly out of curiosity, that finally, after many decades of wondering, that "this cat" let her curiosity get the better of her!  She looked up what was probably the meaning of "song of ascent".

Yeah, "ascent" is "going up".  In this case, going up where?

Do you realize that there's about fifteen Psalms subtitled "A Song of Ascents"?  From Psalm 120-134 we see this subtitle.  These purportedly would be sung by the faithful during their yearly trek to Jerusalem for the Passover.

I find this an exciting discovery!

Can you imagine it?  Thousands of pilgrims on foot, scuffing along and stirring up the dusty roads, singing, hopefully, in harmony, any one of these songs of ascents?

Someone would start off and by ones or twos or hundreds, they'd join in.  I would have loved to be in that singing song throng!  It would certainly make one glad of heart and rejoice!

Can you picture it?

We had an across-the-street neighbor once, who used to come outside and tinker with his car or some electrical device and while he worked, he whistled.  Tuneful whistles of those traditional lovely old pieces of the 1800 and early 1900's wafted across the way.  It was very pleasant and uplifting to hear as I did my work of the home.

So I picture the mass transit of Israelites headed for the Tabernacle, and later to the Temple, raising their voices in unison, to give God praise; to beseech Him for help; or to acknowledge and confess their sinfulness and repentance before they reached the House of God and of His Holy Presence.

It's quite probable the Hebrews sang these songs at other times as well; for instance, while ascending Mount Zion or the steps of the Temple for regular weekly Sabbath worship.  No wonder musical David loved it all and especially when others went along with him, blending their voices in song and worship before God, his Maker, Refuge, Shield and Deliverer.  He sure knew how to give thanks with a grateful heart.

David, and later, his son Solomon, wrote these songs and helped to lead their people in worship, praise, repentance and confession, adoration, honor and glory which they ascribed to God, their King.

Nowadays, what do you suppose it would be like if fellow followers of Jesus Christ would get into their vehicles and en route to church of a Lord's Day, burst into songs of praise, thanksgiving and adoration to the Lord?  As we ascend the church steps to go to meet the Savior and bathe in His presence, remembering Him in His death, and with hearts full of praise, sing joyfully and reverently, our songs of joy and gladness?

I'd really like that.

Would you?

Such satisfaction would indeed, bring me back again and again.

                                              ~ERC  February 2020~

Sing Hallelujah To The Lord

Psalm 120 (A Song of Ascents by Autumn Dawn Leader)

Psalm 121 (A Song of Ascents by Autumn Dawn Leader)

Autumn Dawn "sings" some of the other Songs of Ascents as well.  Some of the tunes are faster paced. You can Google them.

The Hillsongs folks also sing some.