247 PSALMS 120–136 : SONGS GREAT FESTIVAL FOR A Finally, on understanding “ascents” as processional ascents, the composition of the collection as a whole makes sense. To the faithful of YHWH, often exposed to hostility and deceit, God’s dwelling place was a place of brotherhood and blessing. Their journey to that place is reflected in the arrangement of the texts. Psalm 120 opens by mentioning YHWH’s help for the faithful calling on him in distress: an opening particularly meaningful to those who, because of special deliverance, intended to praise God “ in the midst of the congregation” 26. The psalm goes on to picture the animosity experienced by the faithful in daily life, a misery complained of in so many Songs of Prayer 27. Psalm 121 then shows the faithfuls’ life as a journey made under YHWH’s protection 28. Together, Psalms 120 and 121 suit the first phase of the procession. The texts following them can hardly be linked to specific phases; they do fit in, however, with the ritual as a whole. Psalm 122, by celebrating Jerusalem, articulates the feelings of worshippers from outside. Psalms 123-129 deal with various aspects of Israel’s existence, in laments and prayers, expressions of confidence and gratitude, blessings and lessons of wisdom. When the procession draws near to Zion, there is a change of mood 29 : a sense of guilt is sounded, expressions of humility and hope are being heard (Pss 130-131). Halting before the city gate, the singers recite the pre- exilic Psalm 132, an introit text reminding God of his commitment to David 30. Psalm 133 praises fraternal togetherness as a blessing See Ps 22,23-27 ; 40,10-11; 107; 116,14.18-19; 1 Sam 1,3-5.21. 26 The names in v. 5 are used in a figurative sense, indicating aggressive 27 people. See vv. 6-7, also e.g. Ps 27,3 ; 62,4, and cf. Gen 16,12; 25,13; Isa 21,17 ; Ezek 32,26. Although the idea of a journey underlies various expressions in this 28 psalm, there is nothing to suggest that a pilgrimage is meant. For a human being’s way or journey as a metaphor of his life and undertakings see e.g. Pss 18,33 ; 139,3; 142,4; Prov 15,19; also e.g. 2 Sam 3,25. Verse 3a may be compared with Pss 66,9; 94,18. In a different form, this change may also be observed in Psalm 118. 29 There in vv. 6-13 Israel’s affliction is presented as caused by human beings (cf. Ps 129), whereas according to v. 18 it is a chastisement dealt by YHWH. See Th. BOOIJ, “Psalm 132: Zion’s Well-Being”, Bib 90 (2009) 75-83. 30 In Ps 132 YHWH’s “dwelling place” and “resting place” is not only the temple or the temple mount, but Zion as a city; see vv. 7-8, 13-15, 17. In Ps 118,19-20, similarly, the reference must be to one of the city gates: cf. Isa