OUTCAST, SECURITY, ARRIVAL-Psalm 120-122

Outcast: “I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me” (Ps 120:1).

Security: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps 121:1-2).

Arrival: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.” “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure’” (Ps 122:1-2, 5).

Psalm 120 is the 1st of 15 psalms entitled “A song of ascents“ (120-134), possibly the loveliest single group0 of psalms in the whole psalter. It most likely referring to pilgrimages to Jerusalem to keep the feasts of the Lord (Exo 23:17, 14-19; Dt 16:16; 1 Sam 1:3). [The verb “ascend” or “go up” is the technical term used for pilgrimage.] This is the law Joseph and Mary obeyed annually in their Passover pilgrimages (Lk 2:41). Possibly Psalms 120-134, with 135-136 as a conclusion, formed a Pilgrimage Songbook [Pilgrim Praise; Traveler’s Psalm] used annually by the travelling companies as they journeyed, and was eventually formalized and incorporated into the completed collection of the Psalms. [Compare how Psalms 105-106 conclude the “royal” song book (90-104).] Psalm 120-134 fall into 5 groups of 3. In each group:

1. the 1st of 3 exposes a situation of difficulty/distress (120, 123, 126, 129),
2. the 2nd focuses on God‘s power to keep/deliver (121, 124, 127, 130), and
3. the 3rd has the theme of security in Zion (122, 125, 128) and its God (131).
4. The whole collection keeps the traveller’s eye on the goal. The last group (132-134 are all psalms of arrival–the ark in Zion, fellowship in Zion, blessing in Zion, and forms an inclusion with the pilgrim who begins in a harsh world, which is the “far off country” theme of the opening Psalm 120–Kedar (Ps 120:5) means “black” and ends in a very different “night” (Ps 134:1), secure in the Lord’s house and under his blessing.

• Psalm 120-122 (1st triad). When trouble comes.
  • 120: Outsider. Prayer amid hostile people.
  • 121: Security. Watching. Unknown perils, known securities.
  • 122: Arrival. The family in the city.
• Psalm 123-125 (2nd triad). When resources fail.
• Psalm 126-128 (3rd triad). When failure threatens.
• Psalm 129-131 (4th triad). When sin threatens.
• Psalm 132-134 (5th triad). When the goal is reached.

Outsider. Psalm 120 is a cry for deliverance from deceitful enemies and lament over living among hostile people. It focuses on conflict between truthful speech and deceit, and contrasts peace-seeking psalmist with warlike neighbors. Outline [The outsider. The resident alien. Prayer amid hostile people. Exile. The prayer and journey of the outsider. A prayer when surrounded by ungodly people. I am for peace. A lament about liars. Saying “No” to the world and following God up the mountain.]:

1. God‘s answer. Prayer for deliverance (Ps 120:1-2). Cry to the Lord in distress. Request for rescue from lying lips.
2. God‘s punishment. Judgment on deceivers (Ps 120:3-4). Question and answer about punishment: Sharp arrows and burning coals.
3. God‘s peace. Lament (Ps 120:5-7). Distress of dwelling in Meshech/Kedar. Surrounded by those who hate peace. Desire for peace met with hostility.

Security. Psalm 121 is a brief word of great encouragement packed in just a few verses. It is about God’s constant, unfailing protection and providential care over His people, which is man’s ultimate only true help, for those who have faith to receive it (Ps 121:1-2). It emphasizes that God is the ultimate guardian who never sleeps or takes breaks from protecting His people. This psalm is particularly meaningful to ancient travelers making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, offering assurance of God’s protection during their journey. However, its message of divine protection remains relevant for all of life’s journeys. Outline [Security. Help. Keeper. Watcher. God watches over you. God is my guardian. Unknown perils, known securities. God is my keeper. The Lord our keeper. The God who keeps and helps. The Lord keeps.]:

1. God‘s help from heaven. Looking to God for Help (Ps 121:1-2). Looking to the hills and declaring that help comes from God, the Creator.
2. God does not sleep. God’s Vigilant Protection (Ps 121:3-4). God’s constant attentiveness doesn’t allow His people to stumble, for God never sleeps or slumbers.
3. God provides shade. God’s Personal Care (Ps 121:5-6). God who stays close beside His people is like a protective shade, protecting them from natural dangers (sun by day, moon by night).
4. God watches over you. Complete Protection in All Circumstances (Ps 121:7-8). God protects from all evil/harm, guarding the soul/life and watching over all activities (“going out and coming in”) from now through eternity.

• Notice repetition of the word “watch/watches/keep” 6x (Ps 121:3, 4, 5, 7, 8).
• Movement from personal reflection (Ps 121:1-2) to declarations of confidence (Ps 121:3-8).
• Strong emphasis on the continuity of God’s care (“day and night,” “now and forevermore”).