The songs of ascent, which comprise Psalms 120-134, are traditionally associated with travelers to the temple in Jerusalem. Psalm 120 describes the world the travelers are leaving, filled with “lying lips” and contention. Psalms 121-123 describe the ascent, looking toward the hills, entering the city, and looking up to God. 124-126 describe God’s goodness, protecting and delivering His people. 127-128 celebrate the strong families God helps us build. 129-130 are pleadings for deliverance from oppression and sin. 131-132 are commitments of humility and reverence. And 133-134 celebrate fellowship in the house of the Lord.
Psalm 121: Unto the Hills
The psalmist says, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” He affirms that God, our “keeper,” does not slumber and protects us from “all evil.”
Psalm 122: Let Us Go into the House of the Lord
David proclaims, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” He prays for peace in Jerusalem, for the sake of God’s house.
Book of Mormon connection:
- Nephi quotes the following prophecy from Isaiah: “Many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob” (2 Nephi 12:3; compare Isaiah 2:3).
Psalm 123: Unto Thee Lift I Up Mine Eyes
The psalmist says that he and his fellow travelers lift their eyes to God, as a servant looks to his master.
Psalm 124: If It Had Not Been the Lord
David says, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” Israel would have been overwhelmed and swallowed up. He affirms, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 125: As the Mountains
The psalmist compares the mountains around Jerusalem with the protection God provides to those who trust in Him. He says, “Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good.”
Book of Mormon connection:
- Alma admonishes his son Corianton, “Do good continually; … and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again” (Alma 41:14). The psalmist phrases it as a plea; Alma frames it as a natural law, which he calls “restoration.”
Psalm 126: Turn Again Our Captivity
The psalmist notes that God has “turned” the captivity of Zion, and he pleads, “Turn again our captivity, O Lord.” He promises, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Book of Mormon connection:
- Alma urges his people to retain in remembrance the captivity of their fathers, and God’s deliverance (Alma 5:6).
Psalm 127: Children Are an Heritage
The psalmist says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” He testifies that children are “an heritage,” or something inherited from God. They bring joy to their parents.
Psalm 128: A Happy Household
Those who fear the Lord will “eat the labour of [their] hands.” Their spouse and children will flourish, and they will see their grandchildren living in peace.
Book of Mormon connection:
- Jesus counsels the Nephites and the Lamanites, “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed” (3 Nephi 18:21).
Psalm 129: Many a Time
The psalmist acknowledges that Israel has been afflicted many times. “The plowers plowed upon my back,” he says, “they made long their furrows.” But God will confound those that hate Zion.
Psalm 130: De Profundis
The psalmist prays, “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.” He acknowledges that all have sinned: “If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” But he affirms that God will “redeem Israel from all his iniquities,” and that he is willing to wait.
Book of Mormon connections:
- Multiple Book of Mormon passages testify that God will hear us if we humble ourselves “in the depths of humility” (2 Nephi 9:42; Mosiah 4:11; 21:14; Helaman 6:5; 3 Nephi 12:2).
Today I will draw closer to God, lifting up my eyes. I will trust Him to bring deliverance and protection, and to strengthen and bring joy to my family.
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