Another look at The Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) – amazing revelation of prophetic fulfilment in present day Israel ?

“These 15 Psalms are grouped together, each with the title “A Song of Ascents” written in the Hebrew text. It is like the salutations in the Apostolic epistles in the New Testament, written in the text. Just as these salutations are recognized as inspired because they are part of the original text, these phrases “A Song of Ascents” should also be accepted as inspired scriptures in our meditation of these Psalms. The Mishna, or Jewish oral traditions explains that these are Songs of Ascents, because they are recited by pilgrims in the three annual festivals of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacle, as they ascend the steps into the Temple’s main entrance. They are used by worshippers who are not living in Jerusalem, to remind themselves on what to pray before God in formal worship, a relevant application for us also to use, as we approach our Lord. The original steps still exist in Israel and visitors are permitted to recite these Psalms on their ascent”. - One Page Bible Summary on the Psalms.

The present author, while reading through these psalms feels a congruence and harmony of a prophetic expression in that of the modern day restored Israel (after year 1948), though somewhat empirical, but still enthralling to imagine and study, and to meditate on the words of God. The author here will just start with a brief history of present-day Israel:

• Quite incredibly, for the 2000 years after the Roman conquest, no other state or groups developed in the region. Instead, different empires and people came, ruled, and then disappeared. Some Jews and locals remained in Palestine during all these changes. Throughout these 2,000 years, Jews continued to view a return to their homeland as an essential part of the future.

• Between 1517 and 1917, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire, but during the Empire’s decline, it was reduced to a sparsely populated, broken and barren area. The Zionist movement was emerging in Europe in the late nineteenth century, generated by increasing antisemitism and violence against Jews in Europe as well as the rising nationalism throughout Europe. Zionists have a steadfast goal of returning the Jewish people to a sovereign state in the Land of Israel. They tried to promote increased Jewish immigration to Palestine and sought international political recognition on the Jewish right to an independence Nation in this Palestinian land.

• When the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I (1914–1918), its occupying land were ceded to the victor Allies who divided the land into new nations, which included Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. With the “British Mandate” under the Treaty of Sèvres (1920), the League of Nations formally giving control over Palestine to the British government. The British was to implement the Balfour Declaration, which had been signed five years earlier, stating Britain’s desire to create a homeland in Palestine for the Jews.

• The Jewish population soon grew to some six hundred thousand prior to World War II. The roots in the Israel people of the land of Israel spans 3,500 years. Their history and presence in this land has been, though broken into many pieces, were continuous throughout the centuries, even after the majority of Jews were forced into exile almost 2,000 years ago. With establishment of the State of Israel in May, 1948, Jewish sovereignty and independence were renewed.

• Towards the end of the nineteenth century and more so in the early twentieth century, the national consciousness of the Arabs that were living there emerged as a force of Palestinian nationalism. The Arabs there desired earnestly for independence, which obviously clashed with the Jewish desire for the return. British control over this territory lasted from 1923 to 1948, during which time the authorities were constantly challenged by the demands by Zionists for Jewish self-government. The growing Arab nationalist movement, on the other hand rejected this Jewish presence and nationalist aspirations. During this period, there was also the 1939 “White Paper” that stated that Palestine would be neither a Jewish state nor an Arab state, but an independent state to be established within 10 years. The “White Paper” also limited Jewish immigration to Palestine to 75,000 for the first five years. Despite efforts to rescind the “White Paper” following the end of World War II, it remained in effect until the British departed Palestine in May 1948.

• Following Britain’s February 1947 announcement of its intention to terminate its mandate government, the UN General Assembly appointed a special committee— the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) recommended the United Nations Partition Plan, establishment of two separate states, Jewish and Arab, to be joined by economic union, with the Jerusalem Bethlehem region as an enclave under international administration. On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly voted on the partition plan, and was adopted by 33 votes to 13 with 10 abstentions. The Jewish side accepted the UN plan for the establishment of two states. The Arab states rejected the plan and almost immediately formed volunteer armies that set put to war this disagreement against the Jews.

• The State of Israel was officially declared in Tel Aviv on Friday May 14, 1948, by Zionist leader David Ben-Gurion, the day the British Mandate over Palestine was officially terminated, in accordance with UN Resolution 181. When the UN voted to partition the Mandate on November 29, 1947, Palestinian Arabs, with the help from Arab states, launched attacks against Israel to seize the entire Mandate. On May 14, 1948, Israel declared independence and was immediately invaded by the armies of five Arab nations: Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. Israeli Defense Force managed to prevail after fifteen months of tense fighting.

• The1967 the ‘six-day war’ ensued as the Israelis was forced to defend itself when Syria, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq intensified their attacks and Egypt illegally blocked Israel’s access to international waters and expelled the UN peacekeeping forces. Four Arab countries mobilized more than 250,000 troops in preparation for a full-scale invasion. Israel, nevertheless, in a defensive war, managed to capture the West Bank from Jordan; Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt; and the Golan Heights from Syria. Since 1948, again quite incredibly, Israel’s population has grown tenfold. Israel was founded with a population of eight hundred thousand. Today there are 9.5 million Israelis; about 75% of them Jews. Like other democratic, multi-ethnic countries, Israel struggles with various social and religious issues and economic problems. It is a country of many immigrants that came to the country hoping to start up. Education and technology flourished in the land.

• On the political front, most Arab and Muslim States have never stop efforts to deny the Jewish State’s right to exist. Unfortunately, only two of the twenty–two Middle Eastern states have signed peace agreements with Israel—Egypt and Jordan. The ongoing Palestinian Israeli conflict is complex, with challenges related to Jerusalem, religious relics, borders, settlements, sovereignty, and other contentious issues. The conflicts carried on despite there are those on both sides who hope one day to achieve a peaceful coexistence. Wars with bordering Nations rages on, as of this very moment. And Israel’s intention of re-building the Temple on the Temple Mount, while always on the agenda, looks like a very solid unattainability.

When I read through the Songs, I paused and started to imagine they perhaps fit well with what goes on in present day Israel. So I would venture to say that these Psalms are prophetic. Bible prophecies often have a double fulfilment, those contemporaneous to the time of the scripture writing and those in the future. Let’s take a look.

Psalm 120

	1 I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.
	2 Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.
	3 What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?
	4 He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush.
	5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
	6 Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.
	7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

David probably doesn’t mean he literally lived in these two places, but those places have been borders of his land. Conventionally, Meshech (modern Turkey) and Kedar (Arabia) were associated with military power. Ezekiel talks about hordes of warriors from Meshech (38), and the tribe of Kedar was the most powerful North Arabian tribe. By using these two places, the psalmist draws on a metaphor to say that war is the order of the day.

The entire boundaries for the Nation require intensive surveillance and could be under attack from its neighboring nations. Modern day Israel, surprisingly, encompasses such a similar territory and has similar foes all around its perimeter. These are not the same foes David had 3 millennia ago, they can be said to be new ones (largely Muslims), rooting in religion, pedigree and history. There is not a country that shares a similar scenario. Most neighboring nations would tend to live peacefully with and benefiting from each other. Next door neighbors, Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq are all in great animosity to Israel while Turkey, Jordan, Saudi, Libya and Egypt are never allies.

Psalm 121 reminds that God watches over their coming and going, both now and forever. He will not slumber or forget. The land is all surrounded by enemies but His hands are nearby and will literally ’cover’ them. Incidentally Israel uses “The Iron Dome Defense system”, which effectively covers the country and shields them from missiles and rockets during enemy attacks. God is the creator of the heaven and earth and is the ultimate help, day and night (6).

Psalm 122
In the One Page Summary commentary on Ps. 122, it is pointed out: “…Three characteristics are depicted to show that this is God’s city (v.3-5). It is well-built (v.3) and second, it is God’s ordinance for all 12 tribes to worship in that city (v.4). This is referring to God’s call to worship in this city that He has chosen (Deut. 12:5-6) and third, the proper throne and justice are in place (v.5). Even today, God gathers his people for fervent worship. …”

People are starting to go back to their land, and it is reasonable to assume that descendants from all the tribes will eventually be gathered. DNA analysis might ultimately help to delineate origin of the person with regards to the tribes. Indeed this will confirm that God will be gathering all of His people for worship.

The ongoing predicaments are seen in Psalm 123

	3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt.
	4 We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud.

Proud and threatening words, mockery and insults are again the order of the day, from rulers and inhabitants alike.

Psalm 124

	1 If the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say—
	2 if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,
	3 they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us;
	4 the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us,
	5 the raging waters would have swept us away.
	6 Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
	7 We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
	8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

The State of Israel after its establishment in 1948, the Suez war in 1956, the continuous atrocities from the neighboring countries, the miraculous battle victories in the six-day war in 1968, are they not depicted in Psalm 124?

Psalm 125

	3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.
	4 Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.
	5 But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

Psalm 125 reads similarly with a contemporary prophetic overtone as to what may happen to Israel today as a ‘new’ Nation with the long history of foreign and Islamic control. V.3 says: The “scepter” of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous... for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Peace be upon Israel. A contemporary scenario and history for sure is self-explanatory. Meditate on the words” the righteous might use their hands to do evil”.

Psalm 126

	1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.
	2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
	3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
	4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev.
	5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
	6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

In Psalm 126, it went on to say: “Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them”.

The Negev used to be barren desserts, without water and is agriculturally ‘useless’, but since the 1990s with the help of high technology irrigation and sea water filtration some parts of the land have brought forth abundance in vegetation, and there is so much joy and sense of achievements in the hearts of the growers. No one could have expected this to happen when the Psalms were written! God is the creator of Heaven and Earth and has done great things! Amazing it is indeed! There is also this promise of spiritual restoration, and it is now evident with the emergence of the Messianic Jews (see the One page commentary for Lu. 21:20-28 and Rom. 11:25-27 under the section of Bible prophecies).

Psalm 127

	1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
	2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.
	3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
	4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
	5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Then Psalm 127 reminds that God is behind all these great deeds and that children are what the country must go after and bring up in His name. They are reminded that blessings will be upon those who fear the Lord, and wives (women) and children should be part of the prosperity. Statistics show an unexpected trend in the country of more Israelis bearing children than the rest of the world, a peculiar demographic phenomenon!

“Why are there so many children in Israel? Paper from The Taub Center

Strange as it may seem, Israel has the highest birthrates in all the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) survey countries. The OECD is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy.

Israel seems to be fulfilling a demographic trend that God has instructed them to follow. If one walks in God’s ways, His blessings will be with them. Psalm 128 reiterates His blessings and warnings, “5 May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 6 May you live to see your children’s children — peace be on Israel.

Peace be on Israel.

Psalm 129

	5 May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.
	6 May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow;
	7 a reaper cannot fill his hands with it, nor one who gathers fill his arms.
	8 May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the Lord be on you; we bless you in the name of the Lord.”

Israelite oppression dates from Egyptian times but finally His almighty hand cuts the cords of the plough. The animosity is the result of “hatred” which is here emphasized. David prays that those who hate Zion will be turned back in shame. They will wither like the grass on the roof (because their life could not be sustained). And they will not be blessed, never in the name of the true God Yahweh".

Psalm 130

	5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
	6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
	7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
	8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

One can perhaps agree with me that Psalm 130 is similarly prophetic. V.6 is repeated twice and carries an extended meaning, the morning is something that always will come after the night, and by that time the stress of darkness will be over. With God there is full vindication and redemption! Verse 8 says it is for all their iniquities, which is a prophetic statement on Christ coming, to be the sacrifice lamb for all their sins (Isa. 53:5).

Psalm 131

	1 My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
	2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.
	3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

Mentioned is made about a weaned child. Weaning is a gradual process for the child’s body to get used to the digestion of solid food needed for better growth into adulthood and the child becomes independent of nursing from the mother’s milk. The child, although at the age of 2-3 years (as stated in ancient Hebrew tradition) can still be fragile and David prays for God’s continuous care, embrace and protection, likened to a nursing mother. This is a reflection of his humble and submissive heart, clinging to the Lord for comfort and protection, continuing from verse 1. Israel’s birth as a new Nation needs to strive and grow, but in humility, and calling on God every time for blessings and protection. This wonderful allegory of the Psalmist using a weaned child instead of just a child or a baby is stunning!

Psalm 132

	13 For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying,
	14 “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.
	15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food.
	16 I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy.
	17 “Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.
	18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”

A promise to remember for the Israelites and all those that are around them. This is His promised land, and Salvation has come out from this land. This is a reminder for those who sing these songs.

Psalm 133

	1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
	2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
	3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity? David compares unity to two significant things. Firstly, to the precious oil used for anointing Aaron, a symbol of divine appointment and blessing. The oil running down signifies the abundance and overflowing of this blessing. The dew of Mount Hermon descending upon Mount Zion indicates refreshing and life-giving properties. Mount Hermon is now another viticulture area of Israel, producing some excellent wines for the local market and abroad. The summit of Mount Hermon is the highest point in the country. The mountain straddles between Lebanon, Syria and Israel. The Southern slopes of Mount Hermon extend to the present Israel-occupied portion of the Golan Heights. To me, if the place no longer is a part of Israel, the verse would have looked out of place in the present-day context! Indeed the Lord has provided! And His words shall not faulter. How amazing it is!

Psalm 134

	1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
	2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.
	3 May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who is the Maker of heaven and earth.
	4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

To me the 14 songs prays to the Lords for vindication and protection from the attackers all around, the momentum building up from Psalm 124, and praising God for His providence at the End of Days.

The final Doxology ends the Songs and calls for the Lord’s blessings to all, particularly onto those who minister by night in the house of the Lord. The night can be a trying, dangerous and depraved time, be it in ancient or modern times and always in the time of battle. (cf v.130 above, John 3:19, 11:10, 1Thes 5:5). Because of their ministry, the Lord’s name will be upheld. May we always walk in His light and pray for His blessings when darkness is near. Walk in the Lord, and you will not fear the dark.

Psalm 121:1-2 again: “I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

And in the middle of the Songs is Psalm 130, they are reminded again of their iniquities, but full redemption will come with Jesus, the Messiah:

“… I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins”.

His hand will cover them (121:5) and He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins (130:8).