What does I lift my eyes to the hills mean?
Since the colonial era, abolitionist writers turned to Psalm 121 as proof of God’s protection for enslaved people. In his rendering, Bloch presents a shirtless black man with his eyes lifted “unto the hills,” seeking relief from God.
Why is Psalm 121 called A Song of Ascents?
History. Many scholars believe the title indicates that these psalms were sung by worshippers as they ascended the road to Jerusalem to attend the three pilgrim festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Others think they were sung by the Levite singers as they ascended the fifteen steps to minister at the Temple in Jerusalem.
What does a psalm of Ascent mean?
Definition of Song of Ascents : any one of 15 psalms in the series Ps 120 to 134 sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem or possibly while ascending Mount Zion or the steps of the Temple. — called also Gradual Psalm, Pilgrim Psalm, Psalm of Ascents.
Who wrote Songs of Ascents?
David Mitchell
In The Songs of Ascents, David Mitchell creates a fresh and novel study on Psalms 120-134. Though he calls it a “commentary”, one soon recognizes a book that surpasses expectations from this label by encompassing ancient Israelite worship. This is one of the best books I have read recently.
What does Psalms 121 mean in the Bible?
Psalm 121 is categorized as one of the “ Songs of Ascent ” sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. The opening two verses form a poetic question and answer: “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” ( Psalm 121:1–2 ).
What is the message of Psalm 121?
The heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
What is Psalm 121 in the Bible?
Psalm 121. TITLE, ETC. —This bears no other title than ” A Song of Degrees “. It is several steps in advance of its predecessor, for it tells of the peace of God’s house, and the guardian care of the Lord, while Psalm 120 bemoans the departure of peace from the good man’s abode, and his exposure to the venomous assaults of slanderous tongues.
What is the history of Psalm 121?
The idea is a very probable one, that the psalm was the evening song of the sacred pilgrim band, sung on retiring to rest upon the last evening, when the long wished for termination of their wandering, the mountains of Jerusalem, had come into view in the distance.