Bible Commentaries
Psalms 123

Verses 1-4

Following the idea of the ascent of the worshiper to the longed-for house of Jehovah we have in this song an expression of the soul's strong confidence in Jehovah. The soul first affirms confidence as an experience, then breathes it as a prayer, and finally tells the circumstances calling forth the cry. Taking the last thing first, we can imagine this pilgrim who has been dwelling in the midst of the ungodly starting toward the place of worship, and by that very fact stirring up anew the scornful contempt of these people. This vexes his soul, but it becomes the occasion of prayer for the mercy of Jehovah.

This prayer, born of such experience, is based on the relation of the pilgrim to Jehovah. To Him, the enthroned One, the eyes are lifted. This is the reaffirmation of the truth sung in the earlier song ( Psa 121:1-8 ). The figures of relationship are full of beauty. The eyes look to Jehovah as to the Master of the household, who commands, and guards, and supplies all the needs of His servants. To set the life toward worship in an ungodly age is ever to be the object of scorn and contempt. What matters it? The eyes of Jehovah's pilgrims are lifted to the throne high set above all the tumult and strife of tongues.