Bible Discussion Thread

What is a song of degrees?

The only degrees of which we read in the Bible are "THE Degrees" (steps) on the sundial of Ahaz by which the shadow of the sun went backwards in the days of his son Hezekiah, as a sign from Jehovah that he should recover from his sickness while Jerusalem was surrounded by the armies of the King of Assyria, and Hezekiah was under the sentence of death from the King of Terrors

On his recovery from his sickness, Hezekiah said ( Isa. 38:20) The LORD was gracious to save me: therefore we will sing my

songs [of the Degrees ] to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 20

Isaiah 38

Thank you for your reply.

Hi Jennifer. The superscription of 'Song of Degrees' is found in Psalms 120-134, and translated from the Hebrew, it is 'a Song of Ascents'. There are various interpretations given to this phrase, but it seems most likely that these were specific Psalms (or, Pilgrim songs) that were sung by Israel as they traveled to Jerusalem to attend their feasts. The meaning may have coincided with the steps, or paces, they took in their walk or climb towards Jerusalem. Why these particular Psalms & not others were sung, I cannot explain.

Chris,

That makes sense since Jerusalem, especially the Temple, was built on a hill, a southern extension of a mountain.