From Problems to Praise

The fifteen Psalms, 120-134, are given a basic metaphorical interpretation. The metaphor is of a group of people on a spiritual journey from a life of problems to a lifestyle of praise and fellowship with God. Three important annual feasts of Israel, Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles required every male of Israel to appear before the Lord. (Exodus 34:23). These Psalms may have been sung by a company of pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to attend the feasts. (Psalm 42:4, and Psalm 122.) The word for pilgrimage is used to describe the journey up to Jerusalem. The word may refer to the fact that the city of Jerusalem, with its twin hills of Mt, Moriah and Mt. Zion, became the site of the Temple of God and the throne of David. Each Psalm has the heading A Psalm of Degrees. There are many explanations for the significance of the heading. The word translated degrees can also mean ascent. Jerusalem is geographically elevated above the surrounding area. The journey starts in Mesech (Psalm 120:5-7) and ends in the house of the Lord, or Moriah. (Psalm 134.) This being true, the journey starts with problems in Mesech and ends in praise in Jerusalem.