The fifteen Psalms, 120-134, are given a basic metaphorical interpretation. The metaphor is of a group of people on a spiritual journey from a life of problems to a lifestyle of praise and fellowship with God. Three important annual feasts of Israel, Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles required every male of Israel to appear before the Lord. (Exodus 34:23). These Psalms may have been sung by a company of pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to attend the feasts. (Psalm 42:4, and Psalm 122.) The word for pilgrimage is used to describe the journey up to Jerusalem. The word may refer to the fact that the city of Jerusalem, with its twin hills of Mt, Moriah and Mt. Zion, became the site of the Temple of God and the throne of David. Each Psalm has the heading A Psalm of Degrees. There are many explanations for the significance of the heading. The word translated degrees can also mean ascent. Jerusalem is geographically elevated above the surrounding area. The journey starts in Mesech (Psalm 120:5-7) and ends in the house of the Lord, or Moriah. (Psalm 134.) This being true, the journey starts with problems in Mesech and ends in praise in Jerusalem. Dr. Byron Allen, Jr. is retired after serving for about sixty years as pastor of churches affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. These churches have been located in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard Payne University with studies in Bible, English, History, and Greek (1951). He received a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1968) and a Doctor of Ministry degree (summa cum laude) from Bethany Divinity College and Seminary (1986). Dr. Allen is familiar with the biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek) and uses them to glean fresh and meaningful messages from Bible words. Previously published books by Dr. Allen include Pray Like This: Nine Modes for More Meaningful Praying; His Excellent Name: A Thirty-Day Devotional Study of Names of God; In His Presence: A Study of the Presence of God and a Fresh Insight into Worship and Music; In the Garden, A Book of Devotional Studies with special emphasis for caregivers; and The Praying Prophet, A Study of a Conversation with God About Prayer based on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk; From Problems to Praise, A Study of Psalm 120-134. Dr. Allen's purpose in publishing these books is to help Christians develop a close personal and meaningful fellowship with God and grow in the art of worshipping God.
