Sunday, June 16 – Psalms 123, 124

Study Questions:

1. Who mocks the psalmist? Psalms 123:4

2. What would have happened to us if the Lord was not on our side? Psalms 124:1-5

Commentary and Reflection

“Psalm is an earnest appeal to God for help in time of distress. The change from the singular to the plural (see vs. 1, 2) places the appeal on a national basis.” SDABC, Psalm 123

Regarding the superscription of the psalm where it says, “A Song of Ascents,” the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states,

“There is considerable uncertainty regarding the meaning of the expression “a Song of degrees,” perhaps better translated, “a Song of ascents,” appearing in the superscription to this psalm and in the superscriptions to Ps. 121-134. The most probable explanation is that these psalms were employed as pilgrim psalms, sung as the children of Israel journeyed up to Jerusalem to the yearly festivals (see PP 538; see also pp. 625, 627).” SDABC, Psalm 120

The psalmist’s hope is in the Lord. He looks to Him because in Him he finds the answer to his need that he finds in no one else or nothing else. The answer lies in the Lord’s mercy. He prays and looks for His mercy to be manifested.

The psalmist says he is “exceedingly filled with the scorn” of those who are at ease and proud. A life of comfort, where desires are fulfilled, is fertile ground for pride. This is a real danger. Pride leads us to forget the Lord; it can lead us to be insensitive towards those who suffer need or persecution.

In their need, the psalmist and the people are led to dependence on God. This situation, though painful, is safer for the soul than a sense of satisfaction and pride.

The apostle Paul says, “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to ^[b]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

“Christ the sinless One, upon whom the Holy Spirit was bestowed without measure, constantly acknowledged His dependence upon God, and sought fresh supplies from the Source of strength and wisdom. How much more should finite, erring man feel his need of help from God every hour and every moment. How carefully should he follow the leading Hand, how carefully treasure every word that has been given for his guidance and instruction! “As the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress,” so should our eyes be upon the Lord our God. His commands should be received with implicit faith, and obeyed with cheerful exactness.” (Review and Herald, 8-11-1887 “That I May Know Him”)

“Psalm 124 is a hymn of thanksgiving to God for His mighty deliverance in time of national crisis. The precise occasion is not identified. Surrounding enemies were a constant threat to Israel. Many times it seemed that the chosen people would be annihilated. However, the Lord provided a way of escape.” SDABC, Psalm 124

Look to the Lord today and only upon His mercy.