Comprehension--The author is setting out for his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the Holy city of God, for one of the required Feasts. He is distressed and cries out to Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel. The broom tree is known for excellent shade and makes the best charcoal; but it's also a sign of mourning, distress, and punishment. (Hagar hid her son, Ishmael, under a broom tree in Genesis 21-8:20. Elijah sought shade under a broom tree as he was running for his life from a murderous queen in 1 Kings 19.) Meshech and Kedar should be understood as a broad term for heathen or ungodly people. The traveler is ready for some peace.
Interpretation--As the psalmist is preparing for his trip to Jerusalem for worship, he takes note of his starting point--his home. He finds himself in a predicament, surrounded as he is by those who deceive, lie, attack. He feels a little sorry for himself, a peacekeeper in the midst of combatants. He's tired of dealing with everything they throw his way. He calls out to God, and he realizes that God's remedy for his trouble IS this 8-day holiday of worship, a reprieve from his troubles.
*Christ Connection*--Jesus is also preparing to travel to Jerusalem for Passover. He is surrounded by deceivers, liars, attackers. The religious leaders were looking for Him among the pilgrims, wondering if He would show up. They passed word that if anyone sees Him, they should report it to them, because they want Him arrested. However, Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, due to the threats against Him. He has taught peace, but they only want war. He moves to spend time near the wilderness, about 13 miles from Jerusalem in Ephraim. From this spot, He would have had a birds-eye view of the Jordan valley; and we can be sure He heard the pilgrims traveling and singing. Can you imagine how these verses would have resonated with Him?
Applicaton--I wonder if anyone else has suffered through some of the most agonizing moments of the week--Sunday morning getting ready for church. Everyone is grouchy, no one wants to get ready, we are running behind. (Once I was so frustrated with the process I threw my purse down. Unfortunately, that thing took flight and went out the window, breaking glass and my heart. 😞) We might look at our husband and children and think what a bunch of liars, deceivers, attackers, HEATHENS!! I doubt this is where the psalmist is going with this, and I definitely don't mean to make light of the situation. But as I think of ways this Pilgrim Song can change me, I am reminded that preparation for the journey to worship may be stressful. Getting everything and everyone together for the trip can bring out the worst in us. When we are in distress, call out to Him and He will answer. And I can promise you (and me) that the destination is a reprieve from--not a cause of--our troubles. Please, LORD, let it be so.
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