What does Psalm 124:6 mean?

This psalm began by declaring how Israel would have fallen to its enemies were it not for God's intervention (Psalm 124:1–2). There, the psalmist included a reference to being "swallowed" (Psalm 124:3), before comparing Israel's enemies to a massive flood (Psalm 124:4–5). Here, the song praises the Lord for what He has done. His work has prevented the nation from being torn like the victim of a ferocious predator.

Just as overwhelming force is often compared to a flood (Isaiah 8:7–8; Jeremiah 46:7–8), aggressive enemies are sometimes compared to predatory animals. Jeremiah made this association with Babylon (Jeremiah 4:7; 51:38). The apostle Peter did the same with Satan, warning Christians about the Devil's attempts to overwhelm believers (1 Peter 5:8). Just as ancient Israel had to rely on the Lord for survival, so too must Christians use God's power against Satan. This means resisting evil "in" faith (1 Peter 5:9) and using the tools God has provided for our protection (Ephesians 6:11–18). The strength of the Lord is much greater than that of the Devil (1 John 4:4). One day, God will banish the evil one to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10).