Psalm 84, The Pilgrim Songs

(In anticipation of beginning on the Pilgrim Psalms in tomorrow's "Sunday post," I want to post today about these Psalms (120-134).  We will return to our series on Special Revelation Lord willing on Monday.)

There is a collection of songs tucked away in the book of Psalms variously referred to as "Songs of Ascents", "Songs of Degrees" and “Pilgrim Songs.” 

Some believe these songs were meant to be read at each of 15 steps of the temple as worshipers ascended to worship.  Others say they were read by worshipers as they traveled from their homes to the temple for one of the annual feasts.  Still others believe they were songs to encourage the captives in their separation from Jerusalem, so that their longing for God and His dwelling place might not dwindle.  There are references to captivity, indicating the songs were not collected into one unit until after Israel's carrying away to Babylon.  Certainly a focus on Jerusalem and the sanctuary of God is common throughout.

Settling the question of the exact use is, in the end, not essential, because all the theories have the same issue at heart, which is "pilgrimage", drawing near to the temple, the place where God had His dwelling.  These are songs for the pilgrim, the one who desires to go to God in His sanctuary.

It is this "heart issue" that makes these songs so valuable to today's pilgrim (Heb. 11:13-16; 13:14; 1 Peter 2:11).  Christians are on a journey to the Heavenly Sanctuary.  Not only that: Christians are seeking to draw near to God every moment of every day (James 4:8).  The believer's life is one of "pilgrimage" and stands in need of the same encouragement that the Israelite needed living in Babylon or in some remote village of Israel. 

These songs provide that very encouragement.  They begin in the difficult place where the pilgrim lives his life (Ps. 120) and end at the temple, the place where God has His dwelling (Ps. 134).  Along the way the songs provide broad but specific help to the Pilgrim on his difficult journey.

There is a specific progress to these songs.  The opening Psalms have to do with the beginning of the pilgrimage (120-122).  The start of our pilgrimage is critical in that it determines our potential to finish the pilgrimage.  The bulk of the Psalms deal with issues that we will face along the path to God (123-131).  Finally the Psalms will see us to the goal of worshiping God in His holy place (132-134).

Let us begin with Psalm 84 which sets the stage for this idea of "pilgrimage" and shows the value of the journey.  Then we will travel to God's temple.