Gradual Psalms

Gradual Psalms, or SONGS OF DEGREES, a name given both by the Hebrews and in the Christian service-books to the fifteen psalms, 120-134 (119-133 in the Vulgate). The origin of this name is uncertain. The oldest explanation makes it an allusion to the fifteen steps between the courts of the temple, on each of which a later rabbinical tradition asserts that one of the psalms was sung; and others, again, have regarded these psalms either as containing a prophetic allusion to the return from captivity, or as having been sung in the 'going up' from Babylon. But the tradition has no support apart from the Talmud, and carries a suggestion of having been invented to meet the case; while the plural number of the title, 'goings up,' is against the second explanation. A third conjecture, which has more to recommend it, supposes that the psalms were sung by pilgrims when going up to Jerusalem for the great annual feasts. In the Roman Catholic Church they are recited on all Wednesdays in Lent, except the last.