Psalm 120 – Derek: Meditating on the Way
Bobby Valenting and John Mark Hicks introduce the first song of Ascent in the Psalter, Psalm 120. The narrative of the Psalter has celebrated the Exodus (Psalms 113-118), the giving of the Law at Sinai (Psalm 119), and now invites Israel to ascend to the holy hill of God to enjoy God’s presence and unity among God’s people (Psalms 120-134).
The ascent begins in Psalm 120 with Israel metaphorically living in the “tents of Kedar” surrounded people who lie, deceive, and make war. The ascent begins with divine deliverance and a commitment to peace (shalom) on the part of the pilgrim.
We, too, often find ourselves living in such a hostile space, and Psalm 120 offers us a path for beginning our ascent to God, peace, and unity.