psuper psalms.

Psalms 120-134 were absolutely the most enjoyable ones we've read thus far.  The ancient Isrealites really stepped up their literary abilities with these.   Each one is very short and lyrical.  They use beautiful terminology and imagery, like in line two of Psalm 126, "Then our mouths fill with laughter and our tongues with glad song." The pictures created are concise and interesting to read, but the biggest difference between these and the David psalms are the points they are using to encourage religion.  Previously, psalms were violent and scornful towards "heathens."  While ancient Isrealites were often targeted for their culture and religion, being the underdogs of the Near East is a poor excuse for saying "You (God) will smash them with a rod of iron, like a potter's jar you will dash them" in line 9 of Psalm 2.  One of the least polished verses in the song of ascents was  the fourth line of 123, "Sorely has our being been sated with contempt of the smug, the scorn of the haughty."  These psalms are more interested in morality as human beings and the understanding that a lack of morality will result in the "Lord [taking] them off as wrongdoers" (125:5).  I see this as a more constructive approach to writing psalms.  They instill a celebratory view of good behavior, rather than fear associated with misbehavior. Psalm 125 also mentions "peace upon Isreal," which is a much less combative view of people who disagree with Isreal.  To interpret the songs of ascent, one must be much more introspective than before. They focus on self improvement, and they are more resonant within each person.  Psalm 127 says in line 2 the "When you eat the toil of your hands, happy are you, and it is good for you."  At the same time, they also stress the togetherness of a group of independent people, later in that same psalm discussing family members and the continuation of Isreal.  The topics discussed throughout 120-134 are very universal and bring people together while also forcing them to improve themselves.  These psalms are beautifully worded and have a similarly beautiful set of messages.