Psalms123
English Standard Version
1A of . To you I my , O you who are in the !
2 , as the of look to the of their , as the of a to the of her , our look to the Lord our , he has upon us.
3Have upon us, O Lord, have upon us, we have had of .
4Our has had of the of those who are at , of the of the .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 123.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Confidence in God under contempt. (1-4).
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
נָשָׂא: to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עַיִן: an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יָשַׁב: properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁמַיִם: the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)
הִנֵּה: lo!
עֶבֶד: a servant
יָד: a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
אָדוֹן: sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine)
Cross References
Psalms 123Direct parallel in the Songs of Ascents concerning lifting up the eyes for divine help.
Supported by JFB
Connects God dwelling in heaven to His transcendent sovereignty over worldly mockers.
Supported by JFB
Uses the identical Hebrew idiom of having eyes ever toward the Lord for deliverance.
Supported by Matthew Poole
A historic fulfillment of God's people praying under extreme contempt and mocking from enemies.
Supported by JFB
Parallels God sitting enthroned on high, contrasting His heavenly majesty with earthly distress.
Supported by JFB
Illustrates the absolute dependence and obedience of servants looking to their masters.
Supported by John Calvin
Expresses eyes failing for God's salvation while pleading as His servant.
Supported by John Calvin
Illustrates the security and arrogant pride of those who are 'at ease'.
Supported by Matthew Poole