I wait for Adonai, my soul waits,
and in His word I hope. Psalm 130:5, TLV

Context. Today’s verse is nestled within a Song of Ascents (vs. 1). Many scholars believe these were psalms sung by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem or possibly while ascending Mount Zion or the steps of the Temple.

There are three festivals in the Bible where God commands that no matter where a Jewish family was they were to make their way to Jerusalem. Those feasts were Passover, Shavuot [Pentecost], and Sukkot [Feast of Tabernacles]. If the whole family could not make the trip because of illness or tragedy, at least the men were to travel to the Temple and bring an offering.

Everyone must ascend to Jerusalem, because Mount Zion where Jerusalem lies. This means that no matter what direction the pilgrims came from, they would have to climb the Mount — they we ascend.

A Song of Ascents.
Out of the depths I cry to You, Adonai!
Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive to the sound of my supplications. (vss. 1-2)

Here’s what I love about knowing the context and culture of the Bible. The beauty of this psalm, and the other Ascent Songs, were that even before the pilgrims arrived at the Temple, they were in worship. In the case of this psalm, they were in a repentive posture.

If You, Adonai, kept a record of iniquities—
my Lord, who could stand?
For with You there is forgiveness,
so You may be revered. (vss. 3-4)

How many of us sing Songs of Ascents as we prepare to attend services? I must confess, my thoughts are on things like, “Do I look okay?” or “Will anyone eat my pasta salad?” or who I wanted to talk to. What if I focused on worshipping and offering my supplications to my Heavenly Father? Focused on gratitude for His forgiveness? Asking for forgiveness?

What would happen if we all did that? Sang our Songs of Ascent and entered His “gates” with thanksgiving (Psalm 100)? Something to think about.