The pilgrims going up to Jerusalem passed through dangers and difficulties three times a year. They developed songs that reminded them of the faithfulness of God in adversity: “In my distress, I called to the Lord and he answered me” (Psalm 120:1 ESV).
“The Lord is your keeper... . The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life” (vv. 5, 7 ESV).
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” (v. 6 ESV).
“To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens” (v. 1 ESV).
“If it had not been the Lord who was ON OUR SIDE ...” (v. 1 ESV). “Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper” (v. 7 NASB).
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people ” (vv. 1-2 NKJV).
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy” (vv. 1-2 ESV).
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep” (v. 2 ESV).
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord” (vv. 3-4 ESV).