Lord, My Help Comes From You

From biblehub.com

Definition and Scope

The Songs of Ascent are a collection of fifteen psalms (Psalms 120-134) found in the Book of Psalms. The term “ascent” renders the Hebrew word often associated with “going up,” connecting these psalms to journeys toward Jerusalem, which sits at a higher elevation geographically. They are sometimes called “Pilgrim Psalms” because many believe they were sung by faithful worshippers traveling up to the Temple during the feasts (e.g., Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles).

Each of these psalms is typically prefaced by the Hebrew label (often translated in English Bibles as “A Song of Ascents”). Several were penned by David (122, 124, 131, 133, per the superscriptions), while Psalm 127 is ascribed to Solomon. The rest are anonymous.

Historic and Liturgical Context

Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, Jerusalem (Mount Zion) is portrayed as the central place of worship. Because the city occupies an elevated position amid the surrounding terrain, believers often “ascended” to it. Second Chronicles 8:12-13 records the practice of sacrifice and worship at the Temple during specified feasts, illustrating how travelers would stream upward to Jerusalem. It was natural, then, for these pilgrims to have a special set of songs that encouraged unity, fostered hope, and reminded them of God’s enduring protection.

There is a tradition referenced in some ancient Jewish writings that these psalms corresponded to the fifteen steps in the Temple leading from the outer court to the inner court. Although we do not have a final consensus on the precise manner of their use, their structure and repeated themes of hope, worship, and trust strongly indicate a liturgical function for communal worship.

Theological Themes

Structure and Literary Style

The Songs of Ascent share a poetic conciseness and vibrant language. Many begin with personal or corporate need, then move toward praise or assurance. Scholars note frequent references to Zion, the LORD’s dwelling place, and blessings of family and nation. Repetition of words like “watch,” “keep,” and “peace” links these psalms thematically.

Archaeological and Manuscript Corroboration

• The Dead Sea Scrolls (ca. 3rd century BC - 1st century AD) contain portions of the Psalms, including some from this set. These manuscripts demonstrate remarkable textual consistency, supporting the reliability of the Hebrew text.

• Archaeological evidence in Jerusalem and surrounding areas confirms the significance of pilgrimage feasts and Temple-centered worship, aligning with the biblical portrayal that these psalms were sung in a cultural context of communal gathering.

• Ancient inscriptions and references to “going up” to Jerusalem (such as in early Jewish sources) further match the biblical account of the Songs of Ascent as pilgrim hymns.

Christological and New Testament Reflection

Although the New Testament does not directly cite the Songs of Ascent with that label, these psalms continue to be embraced as expressions of devotion. Early Christians, many of whom were Jewish believers, would have been familiar with them. Themes within these psalms-joy in the house of the LORD, longing for the presence of God, hope of redemption-foreshadow the New Testament emphasis on Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

Luke’s Gospel portrays multiple pilgrimages to Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52; 18:31-33). The spirit of approaching God’s dwelling place lives on in the Christian’s journey of faith, culminating in the heavenly Jerusalem described in Revelation 21. Thus, the Songs of Ascent remain a powerful model for believers’ continual “ascent” in worship and daily trust in God’s saving power.

Spiritual and Devotional Application

1. Perseverance in Faith: The ancient pilgrim’s hazardous journey can remind readers to remain steadfast in life’s trials, trusting God’s protection.

2. Communal Worship: These psalms celebrate unity. Gathering for corporate worship is portrayed as joyful and essential.

3. Prioritizing God’s Presence: Like a pilgrim heading to the Temple, believers can keep their hearts focused on approaching God, whether in personal devotion or communal praises.

4. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Repeated references to God’s watchful care encourage believers to find comfort in His governance, especially in uncertain seasons.

Conclusion

The Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) highlight a timeless message of worship, trust, and hope in the LORD. Historically, they served as traveling hymns for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem, underscoring the unity and optimism of God’s people. Theologically, they remind us of His protecting hand, the joy of corporate worship, and the blessedness of seeking Him in humility. Manuscript discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, along with archaeological and cultural evidence, corroborate Scripture’s reliability. Across generations, these psalms continue to invite believers into authentic pilgrimage of the heart-lifting their eyes to God’s gracious presence and hoping in His steadfast care.

They were called Songs of Ascent because they were sung by pilgrims going “up” to Jerusalem for feasts

Up because

Jerusalem is set on a hill

but it’s not the highest point

At least the ancient city of Jerusalem was not the highest

Jerusalem was the focus of everything that happened in Israel

The center of worship

The center of culture

The center of political power

The center of the defense of the land

It didn’t matter where you were in Israel

If you were traveling to Jerusalem, you were going “up” to Jerusalem

They didn’t think like I tend to—north is up, south is down

you always went up to Jerusalem

There were a number of feasts that were required for the Israelites to keep

Feast of the Passover

Feast of Pentecost

Feast of Tabernacles

And it was a privilege and honor to celebrate these feasts in Jerusalem

And so several times a year, pilgrims would make their way in from all over Israel, and perhaps Jews living in other parts of the world would make the trip as well.

And they would sing these songs of ascent as they made their way toward Jerusalem

And their hearts would be filled with this deep longing and excitement would build as they would strain their eyes gazing into the distance looking for that first glimpse of the holy city

Jesus Himself made this trip many times from the Galilee region to Jerusalem in order to celebrate the feasts

We know that even as a child or a young man, he made the trip with His parents, as recorded for us in the book of Luke

And during His ministry, He made this trip various times for the feasts

And I can imagine Him singing these songs as He walked with His disciples and other pilgrims

Authorship

Some of these Psalms are attributed to David

One of them, Psalm 127 is attributed to Solomon, while for the rest of them, the authors remain anonymous

Themes

1. Divine Protection: Several psalms highlight God’s safeguarding presence. Psalm 121:7-8 affirms that “The LORD will guard you…,” and it reflects the comfort of trusting God for safe passage.

2. Joy in Worship: Psalm 122 encourages rejoicing in going up to the house of the LORD, emphasizing the unity and delight of entering God’s holy city.

3. Dependence on God: Psalm 127 underscores that “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (v. 1).

4. Hope in Redemption: Psalm 130 focuses on waiting for the LORD and assures us that “with Him is abundant redemption” (v. 7).

5. Humility and Trust: Psalm 131 portrays a calm and quiet spirit, reflecting humble trust in God’s care.

6. Unity Among Believers: Psalm 133 famously proclaims, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (v. 1).

Next 3 Sundays I would like to spend some time looking at some of these Psalms

English Standard Version Psalm 121

My Help Comes from the LORD

121 A SONG OF ASCENTS.

1  I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

2  My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

3  He will not let your foot be moved;

he who keeps you will not slumber.

4  Behold, he who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5  The LORD is your keeper;

the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

6  The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7  The LORD will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

8  The LORD will keep

your going out and your coming in

from this time forth and forevermore.

I lift my eyes up to the hills

In your life as a believer, where are your eyes fixed?

Pilot training—nailed in to us the importance of looking at the right thing

Flying VFR—the importance of being disciplined in scanning outside and then back inside to your instruments

But as a Believer, where do you look? Where are your eyes fixed

This psalmist gives us this picture of a pilgrim, as he is making his way toward Jerusalem

he is hot, and tired. His feet are hurting

his head is starting to hang

But then someone next to him starts this song: “I lift my eyes up to the hills...”

And his head comes up. He looks expectantly ahead.

He sees the Judean hills starting to rise in front of him

And his heart begins to beat a little faster

He feels strength returning to his body.

His feet don’t see to hurt quite as bad

His eyes are pealed hoping to be the first to catch a glimpse of Jerusalem

Because it’s there that he will be meeting God

he will be worshiping God there

Where do you look as a Believer when you need help

Because that is the next line of this verse: “Where does my help come from?”

That simple question is an admission of need, of humility and weakness. I need help! Where does my help come from?

You know, I feel like I am still learning this and not very good at it, but some days when things are tough and I feel discouraged and tired

there is something about physically lifting my eyes up and looking out and around and ahead of me

that does something to my spirit

We come to church and sing, and we might have opinions about singing from a screen as opposed to from a book

And I do enjoy hymns from a book

But I’ve also discovered that there is something about physically lifting up my eyes as I sing, looking up and out that does something within my spirit

It’s a reminder that I actually need help and that I need to actively seek that help

To lift my physical eyes and the eyes of my heart up away from me and seek help from the Maker of Heaven and Earth

My help comes from the LORD, Maker of Heaven and Earth

People long for security and we do different things to try and feel secure

sleep with a gun by their beds

buy insurance and invest our money to be financially secure

In our country, we want secure borders and a secure government, a functioning military

But people worry a lot because we know that all of these things that we mentioned, and more, simply AREN”T secure!

We can’t depend on those things!

We know that in many ways life is unsure, and we know that we need help and security

This Psalmist says, But my help comes from the LORD, maker of Heaven and earth

In a sense, one commentator suggested, he is lifting his eyes up to the hills and then moving on past them, looking upward to God

Those hills did not get there by accident!

They were created and formed by the Creator!

I’m going to look upward to the One who made those hills

And not only those hills but the entire universe! Heaven and earth

My help comes from HIM!

Today, The Holy Spirit is our helper

Jesus said, as He was preparing to go to the cross and eventually return to the Father,

He was explaining to His disciples that the world hated Him for His message, and the world would hate them (His disciples) as well

But, He said, when the Helper comes, that is the Holy Spirit, or the Spirit of Truth, He will bear witness about me

Jesus desire for us as believers is that we bear witness about Him

That He is alive

That He is LORD

That He came to reconcile the world to the Father

and it is the Holy Spirit that helps us do that

the Holy Spirit witnesses through us in whatever stage or place in life we find ourselves

The Holy Spirit is our Helper

Do you find yourself being anxious and full of worry? Tired and discouraged?

You have the very Spirit of God living in you! He is your Helper

He will not allow your foot to slip

Imagine the pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, some of them over many many miles

The road at times was probably smooth and relatively easy

But other times it might be rocky and rough or steep

So, in a very practical way, this reminded them that it was God who guided their steps and kept their feet from sliding out from under them

For us as Believers, again God is concerned that we stand firm in that faith that we have received

The NT reminds us in a number of places to stand firm

We stand firm in the grace of God Rom 5:2

We need to stand firm in faith 1 Cor. 16:13

Stand firm in liberty Gal 5:1

Stand firm against the attacks of Satan Eph. 6:11

Stand, stand stand

How do we stand? Through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, and working through us!

And the power of God working in us by the Holy Spirit is constant because

What is your faith like today? Are you standing? or do you feel like your feet are slipping?

stand firm in His grace, stand firm in faith, stand firm in liberty, stand against the attacks of Satan

He does not slumber or sleep 3b and 4

The pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem would have needed to stop and sleep beside the road

They were always vulnerable to attack by robbers, especially at night

and lying down and closing your eyes and relaxing your guard enough to go to sleep, at times might have been a challenge

But, again, this was a practical reminder that when they are sleep, God is not asleep

and this is in direct opposition to the perception of the gods of the pagans

Do you remember the story of Elijah on Mt. Carmel in the showdown with the prophets of Baal

Elijah had devised a test with these prophets to prove if Baal was the true God or if Yaweh was the true God

They were to set up a sacrifice, cry out to their respective deities and whichever God answered by sending fire, that was the true God

And the prophets of baal set up their alter and danced around it and cut themselves and cried out to baal

who, of course, did not answer

And Elijah taunted them saying, “Hey, why don’t you shout a little louder! Maybe he’s asleep and you need to wake him up!”

this psalmist is saying, “We have a God who doesn’t sleep, doesn’t slumber and is never inattentive”

I’m reminded of the story in John 5 where Jesus heals the lame man by the pool of Siloam

And when the religious leaders get their dander up because it was on a Sabbath when NO work was supposed to be done

Jesus told them, “My Father is working until now, and I must continue to work”

The Holy Spirit’s work in us and in the life of His church is continual

Whether you are asleep, or on vacation, or taking a Sabbath day’s rest, no matter what you are doing, the Holy Spirit never rests

you aren’t going to find our God asleep somewhere

Phil 1:6 He who began a good work will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

Be assured, He is always working. The question is, are you responding to what He is doing in your life?

The LORD is your keeper vs. 5

keeper—means watchman or guard

Possibly even the picture of their own personal bodyguard walking along side of them

Again, a comforting thought to pilgrims who were at risk from robbers or wild animals,

Knowing that God was watching over them or guarding them

And a guard or a watchman is not much good if you are running ahead or falling behind

Your bodyguard is only good if you are keeping in step with your guard and He is walking right along beside you

The bible tells us to walk by the Spirit. Keep in step with the Spirit

There are many reasons why, but one of those is because it is for our own protection

I’m not saying that as a Believer that you will always experience peace and safety in a physical way.

We’ve talked about persecution many times and millions of believers around the world experience it

But we have an enemy that can do much more damage than just hurt or kill our bodies

He can kill our souls

The LORD is your shade vs. 5b-6

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night

I’ve never been to the middle east, but I’ve been to Africa, and when we arrived in Africa, I felt, and still feel, that the sun there was some of the hottest sun that I have ever felt

Getting into the shade in Africa was one of the best feelings

Especially if you also had an ice cold bottle of Coke in your hand!

I can imagine that the pilgrims going to Jerusalem felt the same way!

The LORD is my shade. This is a picture of God’s tender care for His people

Providing comfort and relief in the intense heat of the day.

There are other references that talk about God’s sheltering protection

Psalm 91. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty

Have you ever been in a situation where you looked ahead and had a sense that life was going to be sort of intense for a while

that things were going to be tough. You were going to be out in the sun, as it were, and you weren’t looking forward to it

But then that time came and went, and you got to the end of that time, and you felt relatively unscathed

It was like you were being shaded from the intensity that you could have felt

The LORD will keep you from all evil

He will keep your life

He will keep your going out and coming in

And this is a great place to end

This picture of the LORD keeping us from evil and guarding our going out an coming in

Reminds me of Jesus is the Good Shepherd

He said, John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

The picture that Jesus gives us is that through Him we find life, freedom, and abundance

Jesus desire is that we live a life of fullness and abundance

The alternative is to experience bondage and death