The Pilgrim Psalms: An Exposition of the Songs of Degrees
Overview
This volume analyzes the "Songs of Degrees," as Samuel Cox calls Psalms 120-134. Also known by the titles "Songs of Ascents," or "the Pilgrim Psalms," these fifteen Psalms are a unique section of this Old Testament book. Cox places them in their historical context and scrutinizes the text of each Psalm, as well as the grouping as a whole.
Top Highlights
“Literally rendered, ‘A Song of Degrees’ means ‘A Song of the Ascents,’ or ‘A Song of the Goings-up.’” (Page 3)
“For a child is not weaned without much pain and strife. That familiar process is commonly a child’s first serious experience of loss, of a pain that cannot be soothed, of a desire that cannot be gratified; here it meets its earliest demand for self-denial and self-control.” (Pages 251–252)
“So, again, the ‘Songs of Degrees’ were doubtless collected into a small separate book, a book much thumbed, no doubt, in the schools attached to the Synagogues, since they seem to have been committed to memory by every Hebrew lad and man.” (Page 2)
“He keeps their very soul, their most inward and secret life. He keeps them in all the changes and intercourses of their outward life, their goings out and their comings in. He keeps them through all lapse of time, now and for evermore.” (Page 26)
“Our hearts are haughty, and our eyes lifted up. We do too commonly busy ourselves with things too great and wonderful for us. And hence it is that we are so restless and perturbed.” (Pages 259–260)
Samuel Cox was a nineteenth century minister and theologian, and author of numerous books, including An Expositor's Note-book and A Day With Christ.