Psalms 123
Psalm 123 is a short poem made up of four stanzas and is a “song of ascents” (a song sung as one ascends to the temple). In a situation of suffering, the psalmist looks to God and earnestly asks for help. In the opening part (verses 1–2), the structure is that the poet lifts his eyes to God, and in the later part (verses 3–4) he asks for mercy from God in the reality where he is subjected to mockery and scorn. This psalm contains a concise yet profound prayer marked by trust in God, endurance, waiting, and requests for grace.
1verseA Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to you, you who sit in the heavens.
2verseBehold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD, our God, until he has mercy on us.
3verseHave mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt.
4verseOur soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.
Core Meaning
Looking to God
The psalm begins by focusing its attention on “God.” The psalmist looks not at his own strength or circumstances but at God enthroned in heaven (verse 1). Then, just as one looks to a master of a paper, he places all the will and hope of the present world in God (verse 2). Accordingly, the attitude of approaching God with humility and wholehearted trust is emphasized.
A plea for mercy
In verses 3–4, amid contempt, mockery, and the disdain of the unrighteous, the psalmist earnestly begs for nothing but “mercy.” Repeatedly asking for mercy shows the urgency of the moment and that hope lies only in God.
Reflection Points
- In the midst of the difficulties of reality, what are we looking at?
- We can take a moment to see whether our gaze and expectations remain on God.
- As we reflect on the psalmist’s earnestness in pleading for God’s mercy, we can learn an attitude of seeking grace with humility.
Apply It to Me
- When difficult or unfair situations come your way, let’s practice first turning our attention to God.
- In prayer, let’s ask for the LORD’s mercy and confess that only God is truly a refuge you can rely on.
