Psalms 124 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 124

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. The author of this particular psalm reflects on the Lord’s protection and deliverance of his people from their enemies.

This chapter serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence and the importance of trusting in His divine providence, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The psalmist acknowledges the peril that the Israelites have faced, but ultimately praises the Lord for His steadfast love and intervention, echoing the sentiments expressed in other biblical passages, such as Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We will witness the author’s profound gratitude for the Lord’s protection and the realization that without God’s intervention, the Israelites would have been overwhelmed by their foes as we delve into this chapter. This psalm serves as a powerful testament to the enduring faith and resilience of God’s people, even in the darkest of times.

Psalms 124:1-2

Let Israel say in Psalms 124:1-2, the verses read: “If the Lord had not been on our side— if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us.”” These verses start with a powerful proclamation of gratitude towards the Lord for His protection. The imagery used here is vivid and striking, depicting a scenario where the Psalmist reflects on what could have happened if God had not been with them. It emphasizes the vulnerability of Israel and their absolute dependence on God for deliverance from their enemies.

The “people” mentioned in these verses could refer to any number of adversaries that the nation of Israel faced throughout their history. From the Old Testament accounts of the Israelites battling with the Amalekites to the Babylonian exile, the Israelites often found themselves in situations where they were vastly outnumbered and seemingly at the mercy of their enemies. Yet, time and time again, God intervened on their behalf, ensuring their survival and ultimately their victory.

These verses serve as a reminder of the importance of having faith in God’s protection and provision, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The message is one of assurance that God is a faithful protector who stands by His people when they are under attack. This theme of divine protection and deliverance runs throughout the Bible, from the story of David and Goliath to the ultimate victory secured through Jesus Christ on the cross.

The declaration for Israel to acknowledge that it was the Lord who protected them is a call to gratitude and a recognition of God’s sovereignty over their lives. It encourages the reader to reflect on their own lives and recognize the times when God has intervened on their behalf, providing comfort and deliverance in times of trouble. Psalm 124 ultimately points to the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him during times of difficulty and trial.

Psalms 124:3-5

The verses in Psalms 124:3-5 can be broken down into the following sections, each offering a unique lens through which to understand the Psalm. “they would have swallowed us alive when their anger was kindled against us;”
2. “then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;”
3. “then over us would have gone the raging waters. The Psalmist reflects on the perilous situation that the people found themselves in the first section. The imagery of being swallowed alive highlights the overwhelming nature of the threat they faced. Anger is often depicted in the Bible as a powerful force that can lead to destructive outcomes. The enemies’ malevolent intentions towards the people of God signify in this context. The idea of being consumed alive speaks to the utter devastation and obliteration that could have befallen them if not for the intervention of the Lord.

Moving on to the second section, the Psalmist employs the metaphor of a flood to describe the catastrophic consequences that could have unfolded. Floods are frequently used in the Bible to symbolize God’s judgment or the overwhelming challenges that His people face. Here, the torrent represents the unstoppable force that could have swept away the people of God. This imagery of being swept away by a torrent underscores the idea of being completely overwhelmed and powerless in the face of such a calamity. The Psalmist describes the raging waters that could have engulfed them in the final section. The image of raging waters conveys a sense of chaos and turmoil that threatened to overtake them. This language paints a vivid picture of the danger and destruction that surrounded them, underscoring the magnitude of the threat they were up against. However, despite the overwhelming odds, the Psalmist acknowledges that it was the Lord who delivered them from such perilous circumstances. These verses in the grander context of the Bible serve as a powerful reminder of God’s protective presence over His people. The imagery of floods and raging waters has been used throughout the Bible to symbolize trials, tribulations, and enemies that seek to destroy God’s chosen ones. However, time and time again, the Lord intervenes and rescues His people from impending disaster, showcasing His faithfulness and mighty power.

This theme of deliverance and protection can be seen throughout the Bible, from the story of Noah and the Great Flood (Genesis 6-9) where God saved Noah and his family from the waters of judgment, to the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites fleeing from the pursuing Egyptians (Exodus 14) where God parted the waters to deliver His people from destruction. These stories serve as poignant reminders that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, God is always there to provide a way out for those who trust in Him. Psalm 124 thus stands as a testament to the unwavering faithfulness and deliverance of God in the lives of His people.

Psalms 124:6-8

The passage in Psalms 124, verses 6-8, reads, “Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.” We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The psalmist exalts the Lord for delivering them from harm and danger in this section of the psalm. The imagery used here is powerful and vivid, comparing the threats faced by the people to being torn by teeth, like prey in the jaws of a predator. Despite these perilous situations, the psalmist acknowledges that they have been spared from destruction. The reference to escaping like a bird from a fowler’s snare further emphasizes the miraculous and unexpected nature of their deliverance.

This passage underscores the idea of divine protection and intervention, highlighting the belief that the Lord is actively involved in the lives of His followers, shielding them from harm and ensuring their safety. It also speaks to the concept of spiritual warfare, where believers are constantly engaged in a battle against unseen forces, but can find refuge and strength in God’s name.

The declaration that their help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth reminds the readers of God’s sovereignty and supreme power over all creation. This acknowledgement serves as a source of comfort and assurance for the psalmist and the readers, reinforcing the message that God is the ultimate source of protection and provision. God delivers His people from various adversaries and threats in numerous instances in the broader context of the Bible. One of the most notable examples is the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, where God parted the Red Sea to rescue them from the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14). This account parallels the sentiment expressed in Psalms 124, highlighting God’s ability to save His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. Psalms 124:6-8 serves as a reminder of the faithful and steadfast nature of God, encouraging believers to trust in His protection and to rely on His strength in times of trouble. It reinforces the timeless message of hope and deliverance that permeates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the enduring power of God to rescue and redeem His people.

After Psalms 124

The people had been through a great trial, but the Lord had delivered them. The psalmist reflected on their deliverance, filling him with gratitude and awe. The Lord had been their protector, their shield against the forces that sought to overwhelm them.

Now, as the people looked to the future, they knew that their trust in the Lord would continue to be their strength. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them with the confidence that the Lord was with them. For the Lord had proven Himself faithful, and His love endured forever.