Psalm 124

Introduction.—Ps. 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.

On the superscription see Introduction to Ps. 120; also pp. 616, 625, 627.

1. Been the Lord. An appropriate acknowledgment of the source of the deliverance. Too often the source of blessing is forgotten once the petition is realized and the crisis past (see Luke 17:12–17). A striking announcement. God had been Israel’s ally. With God on the side of Israel, the people need fear no foe.

3. Swallowed us up. The wicked reflect the spirit of the great destroyer, Satan himself (see John 8:44).

5. Proud waters. As the swollen flood—waters sweep everything before them, and seem disdainful of opposing objects, so the wicked would engulf the righteous and bring about their destruction if God did not restrain them (see GC 614).

6. A prey. The metaphor changes. The adversaries of Israel are likened to wild beasts ready to devour their prey, but held in check by God.

7. Snare is broken. Israel is likened to a frightened, defenseless bird caught in a trap, but suddenly freed by the breaking of the snare.

8. Heaven and earth. As long as these two great monuments of God’s mighty creative power exist, God’s children need not fear what puny man can do to them. He who made heaven and earth is infinite in resources; all the forces of the universe are within His view, and obedient to His will.