Psalms 124

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 124

A Song of Ascents by David. The people acknowledge that if the Lord had not been on their side, they would have been swallowed alive by their enemies. Their help is in the name of the Lord.

Scripture

If the Lord Had Not Been on Our Side

Study note

If the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive. The flood would have swept us away.

1 If the LORD had not been fighting for us — everyone in Israel, say it with me — If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

2 if the LORD had not been fighting for us when people rose up against us, If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

3 they would have swallowed us whole when their fury blazed against us. Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

4 The floodwaters would have drowned us. The rushing river would have poured right over us. Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

5 The wild, raging waters would have swept us away completely. Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

We Have Escaped

Study note

Praise the Lord who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from a hunter's trap. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

6 Thank the LORD! He did not let them chew us up and spit us out. Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

7 We got away like a bird that breaks free from the hunter's net. The net ripped apart, and we flew to freedom. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

8 The help we needed came from the LORD, the one who made heaven and earth. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 124

If the Lord had not been on our sideRescued from overwhelming dangerThe snare is broken and we are freeOur help is in the name of the Lord

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 124

Pause and imagine your life without God's intervention. 'If the Lord had not been on our side...' The floodwaters would have swept us away. Take time today to acknowledge the dangers God has rescued you from — many of which you may not even know about. Your help is in his name.

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