What does Psalm 124:2 mean?
ESV: if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us,
NIV: if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,
NASB: 'Had it not been the Lord who was on our side When people rose up against us,
CSB: If the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,
NLT: What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?
KJV: If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
NKJV: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, When men rose up against us,
Verse Commentary:
Israel is being challenged to admit their total dependence on the Lord God (Psalm 124:1). Only His influence has given Israel victory. This principle lies behind many incidents in the nation's history (Exodus 12:41; 14:28–29; Deuteronomy 4:37–38). These enemies are depicted as powerful and numerous, like a massive flood (Psalm 124:3–5).
The reference to those who "rose up" may suggest an ambush. One example is when Edom launched a surprise attack while Israel was fighting another war (Psalm 60:12; 2 Samuel 8:13–14; 1 Chronicles 18:12–13). The enemies who arose may include Saul and his attacks on David (1 Samuel 19:1–2) or the rebellion of David's own son (2 Samuel 15:2–13). Another possibility is an Ammonite assault using mercenaries (2 Samuel 10:6). The idea can also be applied to the depraved nations who opposed Israel's conquest of the Promised Land (Numbers 21:21–24) or the cycle of war and oppression during the era after the exodus (Judges 2:16–19).
The Christian's bitter foe, the Devil, also launches numerous sneak attacks. Peter knew it was futile to put confidence in our own efforts against that kind of power. He writes Christians to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary The Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). To counter, we are told to rely on God's power (1 Peter 5:9). The Lord gives victory to the embattled believer who depends on Him.
Verse Context:
Psalm 124:1–5 recognizes Israel's total dependence on God. Without His intervention, the nation would have been completely destroyed and its people lost. Israel's many powerful enemies are symbolized as a violent flood ready to sweep away everything in its path.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist emphasizes that enemies would have overwhelmed Israel were it not for the Lord's intervention (Deuteronomy 4:37–38). The power of hostile nations is compared to a massive flood. Yet God prevented Israel from suffering that fate. Because of this, Israel should recognize that their ultimate source of strength is their Lord, the Creator of all things.
Chapter Context:
As with a few other psalms labelled "of David" (Psalm 86:1), this may or may not have been directly written by him. The song may have been composed in David's style by a much later psalmist. Neither possibility changes the meaning of the text; Israel suffered threats from neighboring countries throughout its entire history. Psalm 124 is one of fifteen songs "of ascents" (Psalm 120—134) associated with major festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16).
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.
Accessed 6/15/2025 8:44:37 PM
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