Psalms Of Degrees Lesson 1 Series

A. INTRODUCTION TO THE PSALM OF DEGREES (120-134)

1. Psalms of Ascent, as in climbing a mountain. Sung by exiles returning after captivity as they ascended up to Jerusalem[rbg1.1].

2. Step by step. Degree is named for fifteen steps in the Temple from the court of the women to the court of the men. Levitical singers used the stairs as a stage and sang these fifteen Psalms.

3. These fifteen Psalms correspond to fifteen years added to Hezekiah’s life. Ten Psalms written by Hezekiah correspond to the ten degrees. “The shadow of the sun went backwards” (II Kings 20:8-11[rbg2.1]).

4. Solomon wrote the center Psalm (127) about the family (written earlier). Two Psalms by David on each side (4), ten Psalms written by Hezekiah. The name Jehovah occurs twenty-seven times in each of the seven Psalms on each side of the center Psalm.

5. In Jesus’ day, the Psalm was sung by pilgrims as they approached Jerusalem. Jesus as a twelve year old would have sung them[rbg3.1].

6. What the Psalms of Ascent teach us.

a. Gratitude to God is not just important, it is imperative. “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side . . . they would have swallowed us alive” (124:1, 3).

Gratitude is the least remembered of all virtues

and is the acid test of your character

b. God has a place where He wants to be worshipped. Your church attendance is imperative to please God. “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (122:1). I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the mighty God of Jacob” (132:4-5). “Let us go into His tabernacle, let us worship at His footstool” (132:7).

c. God wants us to seek Him. “My soul waits for the Lord, more than those who wait for the morning” (130:6).

B. THE HALLELUJAH PSALMS (146-150)

1. Each Psalm begins and ends with the word Hallelujah.

2. The word Hallelujah contains the name Jehovah and means praise to Jehovah.

3. Probably used by angels first (Rev. 19:1). Alleluia (Gr.).

4. Also called the Pentateuch Psalms.

a. The Genesis Psalm 146, praises God for creation and beginning. “Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Ps. 146:6).

b. The EXODUS Psalm 147 praises God for redemption and deliverance. “You are . . . bringing the exiles back to the land” (147:2, PTP)

c. The LEVITICUS Psalm 148 praises God in the sanctuary. “The heavens where you live praise you” (148:4, PTP).

d. The NUMBERS Psalm 149 praises God for judgment. God keeps His promises to bless or punish. “Your saints have felt your judgment; you have kept your word when they sinned” (148:9, PTP).

e. The DEUTERONOMY Psalm 150 praises God for everything that has gone before, i.e. repeats[rbg4.1].

5. What the Hallelujah Psalms teach us.

a. Praise Jehovah for everything.

b. Praise Jehovah even in our punishment and bad days.

c. Praise or worship is the most important thing in the Christian’s life.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

To email Dr. Towns - eltowns@liberty.edu.