Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 98-99 and Psalm 121

Today you’re invite to test your memory of Psalm 121 and, if you are able, recite it rather than read it.

As the pilgrims made their way to the Holy City from their homes in the towns and villages of Israel, many of them would have come on the route that led via Jericho. We know Jesus used this route on more than one occasion. I imagine that Psalm 121 would have been a favourite Pilgrim Psalm (psalm of ascent) they would have sung as they started the treacherous mountain road from Jericho westwards, up the mountain passes towards Jerusalem. These passes were so notorious for the bandits lurking there, ready to prey on passing pilgrims, that Jesus set His parable of the Good Samaritan on this road (Luke 10:30-37). I imagine the words of Psalm 121 echoing off the cliffs as the passing pilgrims built up their courage and faith by singing their declaration of God’s protection and care.

So imagine the explosion of joy and praise as the pilgrims came over the last rise and saw the welcoming safety of the walled city, Jerusalem. Well, you might not need to imagine it. You can most likely read it in Psalm 98-99. These two great hymns of joy, celebration, and praise would have been highly appropriate for the pilgrims to sing as they rejoiced at reaching their destination. Think of their joy as they thought back on the journey and sang words like the following. More than that, in this moment of reading, ponder what God has done for you and enter into the same joy.

Psalm 98: ¹ Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvellous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him…
⁴ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music…
⁸ Let the rivers clap their hands,
    let the mountains sing together for joy

Or … what about

Psalm 99: ¹ The Lord reigns,
    let the nations tremble…
² Great is the Lord in Zion;
    he is exalted over all the nations.
³ Let them praise your great and awesome name –
    he is holy…
⁵ Exalt the Lord our God
    and worship at his footstool;
    he is holy.

Amen, amen and amen!