Degrees
Summary
The title 'Songs of Degrees' or 'Songs of Ascents' given to fifteen psalms (120-134), probably sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the annual feasts.
☩Various Interpretations
The Hebrew ma'aloth means 'steps' or 'ascents.' Four interpretations exist: (1) Jewish tradition connected them with fifteen steps in the temple where Levites played music; (2) Some see a step-like progression in thought where words are repeated and expanded; (3) Some view them as traveling songs of returning exiles; (4) Most probably they were pilgrim songs sung going up to Jerusalem.
☩Pilgrim Songs
Jews traveled to Jerusalem three times yearly for Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The journey was always described as 'going up' regardless of direction, since Jerusalem sits in the hills. These psalms express the pilgrim's longing for God's house, trust in His protection, joy in worship, and blessing upon arrival. They form a beautiful collection for corporate and private devotion.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Degrees, Songs of," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.Richard Watson, "Degrees," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).