Reflecting On The Captivity Of Israel In The Song Of Ascents
By Pastor Mitch
October 26, 2018
Psalm 120 – Psalm 124 were about focusing on the Lord. They were meant to help pilgrims to think about developing a greater focus on the Lord as they made their way to Jerusalem. Moving from being challenged to focus on the Lord, the Psalmist wrote of looking at the hills as a reminder to lift their eyes to the Lord as their powerful help. The subsequent psalms saw how the Psalmists’ concentrated focus on the Lord God as a servant to his master and as one who would stand by him. However, if they did not continue to focus on the Lord, they would end up going into captivity.
- Psalm 125 – The Lord shall lead them away
As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity…” Psalm 125:5
This was a warning that was given by the Psalmist. They were meant to actively pray against the sceptre of wickedness, to do good and be faithful in the land of Israel (Psalm 125:4). However, if they did not and turned aside to crooked ways, they would be carried away by the Lord. They would end up in captivity. Obviously, the people of Israel did not heed that warning.
- Psalm 126 – Sowing in tears, reaping with Joy
When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream..” Psalm 126:1
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5
The people of Israel were carried into exile and stayed in Babylon for 70 years. And the time was right, the Lord was the one who brought back the people of Israel. On one hand, He can bring about judgment. On the other hand, He can bring about restoration. Those who return from captivity felt like it was a dream. There was just so much joy and laughter. The people returning spoke of how the Lord had done great things and they were glad (Psalm 126:6). The people of Israel had to go through chastening. It must have been most difficult living in exile. There were times when in hard labour in exile, they were sowing in tears. But the day would come when they would reap with joy (Psalm 126:4). This was a farming imagery. Sowing seeds in the field can be hard labour. But joy would come when we reap the harvest. Young people, there are times when we have to sow in tears, perhaps in times of correction or difficulties. Let’s not be afraid to go through them. When we sow in tears, we will reap with joy.
