Psalms 123 - Printer Friendly

This is one of the songs "of ascents" (Psalm 120—134) used by pilgrims making their way "up" to Mount Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1) and Jerusalem for annual feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). The psalm may have been inspired, in part, by Israel's experiences rebuilding the city walls after returning from exile.

Turning to God during a time of stress, the psalmist describes his attitude as watchful and humble. Rather than simply waiting for an answer, he gives active attention. The focus is on the Lord's "hand," suggesting His actions or subtle messages. The writer of the psalm is not merely waiting, or listening, but intent on knowing what the Master will do. The psalmist intends to maintain this approach until the Lord answers. At the same time, the psalmist is respectful (Psalms 123:1–2).

Israel was conquered and scattered by the Babylonian Empire (2 Chronicles 36:17–21). Seventy years later, they began to return and rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 2:1). This was met with opposition from enemy nations, who laughed at Israel's project (Nehemiah 4:1–4). This may be what inspired the psalmist's frustration at suffering "contempt." This may also refer more generally to the attitude of surrounding nations towards Israel, or to the way wealthy and powerful people look down on the less privileged (Psalm 123:3–4).

Psalm 123:3–4 begs for relief from disrespect and sneering from others. The guilty ones here are described as "the proud" and those "at ease." This seems to suggest those who were wealthy and powerful looking down on the poor. It may also allude to the way foreign nations looked at Israel with derision.

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.

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).

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.