SONGS OF DEGREES

A catechism student in the Netherlands asked me one time about the meaning of “A song of degrees.” In Dutch this reads, “Een lied Hammaaloth” -- “A song Hamma’aloth.”

He, who is somewhat familiar with the book of Psalms, will know that Psalms 120 through 134 bear this heading. This group of Psalms belong together and form a little Psalter, as it were, within the book of 150 Psalms. Now, there are different explanations of these fifteen Psalms.

The Jewish rabbies, among others, held that in the temple a stairway led from the Court of Women to the Court of Men, and this stairway numbered fifteen steps. Supposedly, the Levites would sing one of these songs Hamma’aloth on each of these steps in the evening of the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles. Since the existence of this stairway is in doubt, this opinion must probably be dismissed as fantasy, just as many other things which became customary among the Jews but which had not been commanded by the Lord.

There are still more explanations. These we will pass by. But there is one explanation which, in all likelihood, is the right one and which can also find an echo in the heart of God’s child. The expression “A song Hamma’aloth” means literally: a song of ascents or degrees, or a procession song.

Then we should think of the feast day in the church life of Israel when the people went up unto Jerusalem, in the city of the great King, to be privileged to experience in the temple, that the Lord is good for His people. Jerusalem was situated on the top of mount Zion and so when the people went to the temple they had to ascend (go up) the mountain. This could not be done with one step, of course; rather, the people gradually went up, step by step, by degrees as it were. The Israelites did not travel all by themselves, no, they went in companies, in a procession.

As the group of worshippers slowly ascended mount Zion, Jerusalem would come in view and the temple could be seen. Now, as they were approaching God’s house, the Israelites would sing the Songs of degrees.

Think of Psalm 120 which speaks of a longing to go up to the place of rest. See Psalm 121, the pilgrim-song by pre-eminence of the true stranger here on earth. Look at that precious 122nd Psalm which tells of the arrival at the gates of Jerusalem. Think of Psalm 130 - what a beloved song of God’s struggling people on earth, showing clearly from which depths the soul ascends to come to the place the Lord thinks good for it. But this Psalm also points out joyfully to everyone that mourns aright to hope in the LORD, Who gives perfect rest.

Why did I say that this explanation finds an echo in the heart of God’s child? For these reasons:

These Psalms are called “Songs of degrees” because spiritual life is not always steady and unwavering. There are fears and doubts, but also comforts and hopes. Moreover, the Lord leads His people step by step. They do not learn all things in one day.

“Song of ascent” is also a proper title for these Psalms. Spiritual life resembles such an ascent (going up), because the sinner is drawn by God from the depths of sin and misery. Then the Lord leads him up to the heights of liberty where the sinner may look up to the temple of the Lord, where the sacrifices were offered, pointing to the greater Sacrifice, the Lord Jesus. There the sinner may see beyond his guilt. However, he must come into the temple and if it pleases God, he may enter and receive atonement for his sins.

“Songs of ascent” is an appropriate name in still another way. For these Psalms show that spiritual life is not an easy life. In a sense it is a difficult climb because God’s people come from great depths and backsliding is easy for each one. The road ahead cannot always be seen. Spiritual life consists of much strife and struggle. Sometimes the Lord provides some rest for the weary pilgrims when they may look back and then see ahead a little. But then they must travel onward again. All this can be found in these fifteen Psalms.

Finally, these Psalms may be called “Procession songs” for spiritual life should be a life of fellowship with God’s people. The Apostolic Confession rightly speaks of the communion of the saints. There must be unity in God’s Church so that one may help another by way of instruction or encouragement. Then they will sing together on their pilgrimage as well.

It is our desire to write a little about these Songs Hamma’aloth in the coming months. They will be brief meditations under the title “Songs of degrees.” May the LORD grant a blessing upon it for some weary pilgrims.

Chilliwack, B.C.

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