Marching to Zion: Ancient Psalms for Modern Pilgrims

by Rhett Dodson

The Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) were sung by Israelites as they made their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. As pilgrim songs, they provide a way for believers to express their fears, needs, and aspirations as they journey through this life.

These psalms are also the songs of Jesus. In Marching to Zion you will discover how these ancient songs of Israel affect our faith today, point us to the future, and help keep our eyes on Christ every step of the way.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 9, 2018

About the author

Rhett Dodson is the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Hudson, Ohio. He previously served as an associate pastor and seminary professor. Originally from Pickens, South Carolina, Rhett has a PhD in Old Testament. He and his wife, Theresa, live in Hudson.

Reviews

[Shelby Jester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly, this was incredible. I had never read the Psalms of Ascent before and this was an insightful and applicable expository teaching that grew my love for the Psalms and God’s Word. So grateful for this book and will return back to it again!

[Justin Andrusk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great exposition around the "Psalms of Ascent" and how they can be applied to the Christian walk with God.

[Eric Yap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and reflective devotional read.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Psalms bring us back again and again to who the Lord is... In all of life’s difficulties, God’s solution is God himself.” —— Dodson has done a great job of drawing the line of connection between the ancient journey to the Temple in Jerusalem and our own journey Home to be with God. Along the way, we face many of the same frustrations, discouragements, and emotions as those pilgrims did. I enjoyed reading this encouraging collection. It was a great reminder that, as we journey, God is always by our side, working for our good, and powerful enough for that to matter. The short chapters are easy to take in quickly, but give you enough to chew on for a while if you’re willing to take the time. They will challenge you to change and encourage you for the road.

Also, for those who care, it’s a beautifully bound little book! Feels just right in your hand!

[Ryan Gladden · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In Marching to Zion you will discover how these ancient songs of Israel affect our faith today, point us to the future, and help us keep our eyes on Christ every step of the way."

I used this book along with several others for a sermon series on the Psalms of Ascents (120-134). This book has profound clarity to provide background, explanation, illustration, and application to each of the Psalms of Ascents. I would highly recommend this book for anything, whether it be a sermon series, Bible study, or a personal devotional study. It truly will help you to see that these are "Ancient Psalms for Modern Pilgrims."

[Drew Norwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, short commentary on the psalms of ascent (Psalms 120 - 134). Each chapter covers one psalm and can be read devotionally in a day or two. Dodson is brief without sacrificing depth and fullness. He helps you understand each psalm better, and he gives you a deeper appreciation for the psalm both in its original setting and its meaning for the Christian life.

[Andrew Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book. Gives many good devotional helps and applications as you meditate on the Psalms of Ascent

[KaTsun Tsang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The publisher graciously sent readers copies of this title before its official release and I was blessed to have been one of the recipients. My initial thoughts of this work was that it was very well written as it articulated clear commentary on the Psalms of Ascents. Rhett Dodson used language that is accessible to laypeople and ministers alike, making it possible to be read in one sitting or two. Because each chapter goes through each individual psalm, it is possible to use this book devotionally as well, hence why it includes reflection questions at the end of every chapter. Dodson uses various illustrations and voices from church history to explain the meaning and significance of the psalms which could then put this book under the category of leisure reading. The only thing that I think the book lacked was including a bit more material on historical context. To that end, it would be beneficial for readers to understand the psalms more holistically by placing readers in the shoes of the 'pilgrims' he describes in the book. This is nevertheless a very helpful book for Christians and be encouraged by the ancient psalms to press on in the faith until we reach Zion.

[Michael Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Suck a helpful treatment of the ascent psalms. Last chapter pulls them all together as one unit.