Bible Commentaries
Psalms 123

Verses 1-4

Psalms 123:1-4. V. 1. Some think, that this psalm was composed for the use of the church, during the Babylonish captivity, or when persecuted by Antiochus Epiphanes : but others suppose it to have been written by Isaiah, on occasion of the scoffing boasts and menaces of Sennacherib and Rabshakeh ; while others are of opinion that David wrote it during Absalom’s rebellion.

(Notes. Psalms 11:4-5. Psalms 115:3-7 Psalms 121:1-2. Is. 57. 15, 16. Matthew 6:9.,

V. 2. The worshippers of God, while suffering heavy things from his enemies, for obeying him, and threatenec with still severer miseries ; yet adhering stedfastly to his service, and obeying his commands ; expected, it patiently waited for, deliverance from God ; as faithful servants depend on their masters for redress and protection, while employed in their proper work. But the assailant may be so powerful, that the master cannot protect or rescue his servant, nor the mistress her maiden ; so that these may look in vain : but our God is both able, and faithful, and merciful, to deliver all who wait on him. (Notes, Psalms 116:16. Joshua 9:25-27; Joshua 10:1-6.)

V. 3, 4. These verses represent the Psalmist, and those in whose name he speaks, as living on scorn and contempt, even as a man lives on his daily provisions, till they were satiated with them, and knew not how to endure any more ; yet still exposed to the insulting scoffs and taunts of their prosperous and haughty oppressors : but in this extremity they humbly sought mercy from God, to pardon their sins, and to comfort them under the cruel treatment of their enemies ; and they renounced all other hope of support and deliverance, unreservedly committing thsir cause into his hand. (Notes, Psalms 44:9-16; Psalms 73:5-9; Psalms 89:50-51. Psalms 119:50-53. Nehemiah 4:4-5.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Our merciful God, from his throne in the heavens, (that high, holy, and glorious palace, where he displays his more immediate presence,) looks down to behold the affairs of men, and hear the prayers of his afflicted people ; being able and ready to redress their grievances, whenever they look up to him for help and deliverance. If then we are become his servants, by faith in Jesus Christ ; if we rely on his mercy, observe his directions, and expect our recompence from him, and not from man : we may also confidently look to him as our Master, to provide for, com-

fort, and defend us ; and he will certainly require it of all those, who interrupt, or injure us, whilst employed in his woik. Being thus observant of his hand, and waiting for his mercy, we need not be disconcerted, if we meet with scorn and insults from the pampered worldling, or the proud infidel, from the sensual, self-indulgent, and prosperous sons of rebellion and impiety. Indeed contempt is very hard to bear : but the servants of God should not complain, if they are treated as his beloved Son was ; and they cannot be more filled than he was with " the scorning of " those that are at ease, and the contempt of the proud." Let us then, when ready to faint under this trial, look unto Jesus, copy his meekness and patience, and by faith and prayer cast ourselves upon the mercy of our God. (Notes, Hebrews 12:1-3.) Ere long the proud and luxurious scorner will be " filled with his own devices ; " and the despise believer will inherit the throne of glory.