That feeling of a long, hard journey – that's exactly what's captured in the Psalm of Ascents. But it's not just about the struggle; it's about the song that rises with each step.

Our text, from Midrash Tehillim, a collection of homiletical interpretations on the Book of Psalms, dives deep into the meaning of Psalm 120. This isn't just "a Psalm of Ascent," but "a Psalm of Ascents" – plural. Why? Because our journeys, both personal and collective, are rarely simple, single climbs.

Think about it. Jeremiah, in the midst of despair, bursts out (Jeremiah 20:13): "Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord!" Why? "Because He saved the soul of the poor from the hands of the wicked." It's a moment of recognizing that even in the depths, redemption is possible, and praise is the natural response.

The Midrash beautifully illustrates this point with examples from our history. When the Israelites were freed from Egypt, it wasn't just them offering thanks. Even Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, recognized the greatness of God, proclaiming (Exodus 18:9-11), "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods."

And what about Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah? Remember them? Thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's idol? When they emerged unscathed, even Nebuchadnezzar himself was moved to say (Daniel 3:28), "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him!"

These weren't isolated incidents. The Midrash Tehillim emphasizes that this pattern holds true throughout our history, past and future. Whenever we emerge from distress, from exile – whatever form that takes – praise is the natural outpouring. That's why it's "Psalm of Ascents." Not just one climb, but many.

As Deuteronomy 28:13 tells us, "You shall ascend higher and higher." And Song of Songs 3:6 poetically asks, "Who is this coming up from the wilderness, like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense?" It's an image of rising, of purification, of offering something beautiful back to the world after a period of hardship.

But the Midrash doesn't shy away from the lows either. Just as we ascend multiple times, we also descend. Deuteronomy 28:43 warns, "You shall come down lower and lower." And Lamentations 2:1 laments, "He cast down from heaven to earth." Life is full of both ascents and descents. That's reality.

The key, perhaps, is how we navigate those ascents. According to the Midrash, when we ascend, we do so in praise. That act of gratitude, of acknowledging the Divine hand in our lives, transforms the climb. It gives it meaning. It turns a simple struggle into a sacred journey.

So, the next time you feel like you're climbing out of a difficult situation, remember the "Psalm of Ascents." Remember that the journey may be long, with many ups and downs. But with each step, with each offering of praise, you're not just climbing higher; you're also drawing closer to the Divine.