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Annual Feasts of Rejoicing
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I was glad when they said unto me,
“Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122:1
As they saw around them hills where the heathen had long kin-
dled heir altar fires, the children of Israel sang:
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I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1, 2
Cresting the hills and coming in view of the Holy City, they
looked with reverent awe on the throngs of worshipers making their
way to the temple. As they heard the trumpets of the Levites an-
nouncing the sacred service, they caught the inspiration of the hour,
and sang:
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain.
Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.
Psalm 48:1, 2
Open to me the gates of righteousness;
I will go through them,
And I will praise the Lord.
Psalm 118:19
All the homes in Jerusalem were thrown open to the pilgrims, and
rooms were provided free. But this was not enough, and tents were
pitched in every available space in the city and on the surrounding
hills.