What does Psalm 123:1 mean?
ESV: To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
NIV: A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
NASB: To You I have raised my eyes, You who are enthroned in the heavens!
CSB: A song of ascents. I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven.
NLT: I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.
KJV: A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
NKJV: {A Song of Ascents.} Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.
Verse Commentary:
God and His heaven are depicted as "up" and "above" the earth and all things (Psalm 57:5; Isaiah 37:16; Acts 1:8–11). In a time of disrespect (Psalm 123:3–4), the psalmist chooses to give his attention to the Lord (Psalm 25:15; 141:8).
Isaiah's vision echoes these ideas of God's glory in heaven. Isaiah saw the Lord surrounded by angels singing His glory (Isaiah 6:2–3). Scripture also calls on the entire world to look to Jesus in order to be saved. This was illustrated by the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4–9; John 3:14). Other New Testament passages encourage believers to focus their attention on Christ (Hebrews 12:2), knowing He understands us and cares for our needs (Hebrews 4:15–16).
Verse Context:
Psalm 123:1–2 calls out to God in deep humility. The psalmist places himself in the role of a servant looking to their master for help during a difficult time. This attitude of anticipation and prayer will continue until the Lord sends an answer (Luke 18:7).
Chapter Summary:
This is one of the fifteen songs "of ascents" (Psalm 120—134) used as Israelites climbed towards Jerusalem and Mount Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1) for annual feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). The psalmist mourns the sneering and insults of those who look down on him. This might mean hatred for Jewish people, but it seems to be more about the wealthy scoffing at the poor. The song ends with a prayer for relief from that burden.
Chapter Context:
This is another of the fifteen songs "of ascents" used as Israelites climbed towards Jerusalem and Mount Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1) for annual feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). The scorn mentioned here is probably about rich people looking down on the poor. However, it may also refer to the contempt of other nations for the people of Israel. This was a major problem while rebuilding Jerusalem after the exile (Ezra 2:1; Nehemiah 4:1–4).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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