Hello All,

Please join us, our Zoom Link is below for this Saturday’s session at 8:00 AM PST 01/10/2026. I am blessed by the presence of each one of you in my life. We show gratitude to God by “giving thanks in all circumstances …” [1Thess. 5:18a]

We will have a modified Bible Study this morning. We will look at a very unique series of chapters in the book of Psalms. If you have the time please select one or two verses that really resonate with you. For example, I selected [v. 1-2 in Ps. 120] and [v. 8 in Ps. 121] On Saturday morning we will discuss how we may use these selected verses.

Love, hank

Zoom Link:
For Study, Prayer and Fellowship – 8:00 AM PST 01/10/2026:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82968961343?pwd=LzcwVjJKcWVESDRURlhDcXlNV0JUdz09
Meeting ID: 829 6896 1343
Passcode: 77299ere:

Study Notes:We will be looking at a very unique series of chapters in our Bible. 

The OT Law required the Hebrews to send all their available men to a central worship center for a minimum of three great holidays. The Songs of Ascents, [Psalms 120-134], are a special collection of songs. They are the only series of Psalms with the same or very similar heading to each one: “A Song of Ascents.” There are many other Psalm collections and many other Psalms which are paired together, but none have a common heading like these. The Songs of Ascents were sung by pilgrims going-to or coming-from Jerusalem’s annual festivals. For example: [Ps. 122] celebrates the arrival of pilgrims in Zion and [Ps. 132] recalls the first procession in Jerusalem accompanied by great throngs of worshippers. [Ps. 133] celebrates the blessing of pilgrims together. [Ps. 134] records interaction between pilgrims and priests at the festivals. How these songs were used by Hebrew pilgrims has been a matter of historical debate. The title “Song of Ascents” most likely refers to ascending up to the sanctuary in Jerusalem. On each step, they would stop to sing each successive song until all 15 had been sung.  Other commentators believe that pilgrims originally used these songs while in transit to and from the festivals as well.  Some may have been sung officially during services; but these were not the only songs sung. Over time, the songs

 became texts that were read, while remaining as songs that were sung. David is the originator of some of these pilgrimage songs, and none of them are earlier than his establishment of Jerusalem as the religious capital in 1003 B.C. Solomon wrote [Ps. 127] no earlier than 970 BC when he took the throne, but it is more likely that he wrote this song about family life when he was older and more reflective, perhaps around 940 BC. The remaining 10Psalms are anonymous. This collection grew over the centuries and did not take its final form and order until the end of the OT era, c. 400 BC. 

These songs include a variety of genres, similar to the rest of the Psalms. David was the sort of godly leader, [Ps. 131] Yahweh wanted to turn Zion into His earthly home [Ps. 132].The tribes entered into a new life of blessing as they made pilgrimage to the new religious capital [Ps. 133-134].  At some point, these 15 songs were put into their current order. It is possible that there are multiple layers of order to their arrangement. Whatever scheme is favored, remember that the order of the 15 songs was made for the reader, not the singers. In later centuries, Jewish readers began to see a kind of end time hope in these Psalms. Passing through time, God’s people are on a journey to God’s everlasting kingdom. It is worth noting that the 1st song [Ps.120] speaks metaphorically about being far away from Zion while the latter songs all celebrate being in Zion [Ps.132-134]. It is as if reading the texts takes you on a journey from wherever you are into the very presence of God. 

Love, hank

Hank Hohenstein, OFS

Land Steward

161 Osprey Vista

Shady Cove, OR 97539
Cell: 541-973-5442

hankhohenstein@gmail.com