AN EXCITING DISCOVERY
Recently, in Jerusalem, a special ceremony was held commemorating the discovery and excavation of the original “pilgrimage road” from 2,000 years ago. This road is a series of steps that begin at the ancient Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount.
The Pool of Siloam was a large pool where men would wash to prepare themselves to travel up to the Temple Mount. This video provides some details about the project and its significance.
The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of Psalms that were recited by Jewish pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the three annual feasts that all men were commanded to honor and celebrate. There have been many theories that have tied these Psalms found in Psalms 120 -134 to the place where they were cited.
These Psalms were written by David and Solomon, so they were written prior to 2,000 years ago. The location where they were recited during the time of Jesus and even before is certainly brought to light with this recent discovery.
The Psalms ascent begins with the pilgrims in a place of distress. As we move through the series, there is a recognition of “Our help comes from the Lord the Maker of Heaven and Earth.” (Psalms 121)
Our trust must be in the Lord and Him alone. That is what makes us secure. (Psalms 125) There is a plea for the Lord to bring restoration. (Psalms 126). It is the Lord who provides safety and security. He builds the house. He guarantees our future through children. (Psalm 127)
There is recognition of the historic assault on those who have been against God’s people and pleading for the Lord’s judgment on them. (Psalms 129) There are cries for the Lord’s mercies and waiting patiently while our eyes are on Him. (Psalms 130, 131) As God’s people gather together in Jerusalem, there is a declaration of the blessings of the Lord in unity. (Psalms 133)
As the pilgrims are in Jerusalem, the collection of Psalms ends with these words of praise.
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord!
Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the Lord!
May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth! (Psalms 134)
What a great picture of the spiritual life we have through Jesus Christ. We begin in the distress of sin and distant from the Lord’s presence, and we end in the place where God’s presence dwells and where there is perpetual worship.
We are being constantly reminded in our present day of the faithfulness of God’s Word and that what the Lord has promised will come true. We wait patiently and in hope as we journey to the New Jerusalem.