The psalms David wrote in the text, “a song of ascent (degrees),” are pilgrim songs sung by the Lord’s people as they made their way to the house of God for the yearly feasts. The uniting of the people's hearts came long before they came together, because they had the same hymnbook and sang the same hymns as individuals as they began their journey to Jerusalem. On the way, they would be joined by others, and soon, many voices began to blend in praise and worship. From the first song of distress as an individual left his home until the last words of the final pilgrim song, “May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion [Ps. 134:3],” the tones and the words would lift the spirits of the people until praise resounded all over Zion.
This psalm begins with a cry for deliverance as the pilgrim's voice is lifted from his hurting soul to the Lord. He has become a victim of slander. He was exiled among those who had no interest in God, no desire to know God, and no respect for those who believed in God. There is a pattern that slander often follows. First, there is flattery. Flattery smiles but is insincere. Then lies and deceit quickly follow. Deceit smirks. It is cruel and insinuating. So, what can be done? When the one traveling to Zion looks around at the day-to-day existence of life where his home is, he prays to the Lord and points out the adversaries and the circumstances in which he is found. He laments the prolonged harassment under which he lives.
How can a just recompense be given? Who can justly carry out the actions that are needed? Justice is always right when God does it. If we take it in hand to execute vengeance, we can easily do wrong ourselves. A peacemaker is not usually a famous person. Some people want to fight for their rights and what they believe in. Others want to walk away rather than be the loser in a fight. Our Lord knew what was at stake when He addressed this matter. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” A real peacemaker will apply God’s truth to the divisive situation and, in doing so, make it plain to both parties that it is God who knows what is going on, and it is God who has the last word.
For the pilgrim, visiting Jerusalem and the house of God was like a homecoming. After living in an ungodly place among ungodly people who do not want peace, we, on this journey as pilgrims, find it a blessing and a joy to know we are on our way home. Our songs may not always be upbeat or happy, but when we sing from sorrowful hearts, hearts that are hurting, even the fact that we are singing on the way is a positive factor in our fellowship with the Lord and His people.
PSALM 120 THE PILGRIM LIFE v.1-2. A Cry for Deliverance. “Deliver my soul, O Lord…” v.3-4. A Prayer for Retribution. “What shall be given thee?” v.5-7. A Longing for Peace. “Woe is me… I am for peace.”