How Does Psalm 121 Begin?

There’s no worship without the walk. Psalm 120–122 begins the 15-part journey known as the Songs of Ascent—a literal and spiritual climb toward God’s presence. As pilgrims trek uphill to Jerusalem for the great feasts, they sing songs rooted in longing, lament, trust, and joy. Today we explore the first three: one from exile, one clarifying where help really comes from, and one celebrating the city of God itself.

✈️ Overview:

• Psalm 120 is a lament from exile—longing for peace while surrounded by deceit

• Psalm 121 contrasts false worship in high places with true help from the Creator

• Psalm 122 rejoices in Jerusalem as the place where God’s name dwells and people gather

🔎 Context Clues:

• Psalms 120–134 are known as the Songs of Ascent—a special collection sung by pilgrims during Israel’s three major festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles

• These songs fit within the Great Hallel (Psalms 120–136) and reflect the journey of faith, obedience, and communal worship

• Ancient worshipers literally ascended the hills toward Jerusalem, a city geographically and theologically “set apart”

• Psalm 121 is often misread: the “hills” mentioned are not where God is, but where false idols are worshipped—true help comes from Yahweh, the Maker of heaven and earth

🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:

• Psalm 120 references Meshech and Kedar, two geographic extremes—north and south—used as literary devices to represent the global Jewish diaspora

• Jewish tradition links the 15 Psalms of Ascent to the 15 steps in the Second Temple between the Court of Women and the Court of Israel; some believe pilgrims sang one psalm per step

• In Psalm 121, the Hebrew context emphasizes that Yahweh made the hills—He is not one of the gods worshipped on them

• Psalm 122 highlights how David’s establishment of Jerusalem as the worship center was both political and theological—it centralized power and aligned with Deuteronomy’s instructions about God choosing a place for His name to dwell

✅ Timeless Truths:

• Help doesn’t come from high places—it comes from the High King

• Not every form of worship is accepted by God; where and how we worship matters

• True worship doesn’t chase results—it pursues relationship

• When your heart is scattered like the exile in Psalm 120, God still calls you home

• Jerusalem—both physical and symbolic—is a reminder that God chooses to dwell among His people

These three Psalms mark the beginning of a spiritual climb—a reminder that proximity to God requires a journey. Whether you feel scattered in exile, tempted by shallow high places, or drawn into the joy of communal worship, Psalm 120–122 calls us upward. Not toward convenience, but toward the presence of God. So ask yourself today: What hills are calling for your attention—and are they leading you closer to Him?

🚀 START HERE!

Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.

📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:

Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.

🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?

Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!

🐉 DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOK

Crushing Chaos is available NOW wherever books are sold. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.

👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:

• The Bible Dept. | YouTube
• The Bible Dept. | Spotify
• The Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts

📱 STAY CONNECTED:

• The Bible Dept. | Instagram
• The Bible Dept. | Facebook
• Dr. Manny Arango | Instagram
• ARMA | Instagram

📨 EMAIL US!

Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.

💥 MORE RESOURCES:

• Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. Essentials
• Dr. Manny Arango’s Book | Brainwashed
• Book Dr. Manny to Speak

🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!

• The Garden | Houston, TX
• The Garden | Instagram
• The Garden | Facebook

SUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-department

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands