Psalms 123
Psalms 123 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 123 summary
This psalm was penned at a time then the church of God was brought low and trampled upon; some think it was when the Jews were captives in Babylon, though that was not the only time that they were insulted over by the proud. The psalmist begins as if he spoke for himself only (Psa 123:1), but presently speaks in the name of the church. Here is, I. Their expectation of mercy from God (Psa 123:1, Psa 123:2).
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This psalm was penned at a time then the church of God was brought low and trampled upon; some think it was when the Jews were captives in Babylon, though that was not the only time that they were insulted over by the proud. The psalmist begins as if he spoke for himself only (Psa 123:1), but presently speaks in the name of the church. Here is, I. Their expectation of mercy from God (Psa 123:1, Psa 123:2). II. Their plea for mercy with God, (Psa 123:3, Psa 123:4). In singing it we must have our eye up to God's favour with a holy concern, and then an eye down to men's reproach with a holy contempt. A song of degrees.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 123 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Our Eyes Look to the Lord
1A Song of Ascents. Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that sittest in the heavens. 2Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid unto the hand of her mistress; So our eyes [look] unto Jehovah our God, Until he have mercy upon us. 3Have mercy upon us, O Jehovah, have mercy upon us; For we are exceedingly filled with contempt. 4Our soul is exceedingly filled With the scoffing of those that are at ease, And with the contempt of the proud.