The ascension of the pilgrim!

A biblical study from Ps 120

Abstract

With approximately twenty-six words, Psalm 120 opens the family of Psalms classified as Songs of Ascents. Furthermore, it can be understood from three literary frames: “lips (מִשְּׂפַת)” (v. 2a) and “tongue (לָשׁוֹן)” (v. 2b); inhabitants of “Mosoc (מֶשֶׁךְ)” (v. 5a) and “Cedar (קֵדָר)” (v. 5b); finally arriving at an antithesis arising from the image: “peace (שָׁלוֹם)” (v. 7a) and “war (מִלְחָמָה)” (v. 7b). Rhythm and simplicity set the tone for the lyric poem in question, in which the past tense is in tune with the present. The initial prayer is formulated in the past tense, while, in the present, the cry of a personal self follows, which, over time, became a collective self. Although the climate exudes the odor of combat, there is a glimpse of peace. The latter has as its donor and protagonist the Person of the Lord, God of Israel. There, in Israel — more precisely in Jerusalem, and not in other nations — is the Temple, the perfect place to receive pilgrims and devotees.