◄ Psalm 123 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
I Lift Up My Eyes to You A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. 2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy. 3Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. 4We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 123 Summary I Lift Up My Eyes to You Verses 1 – Eyes Lifted to Heaven “I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.” The psalmist’s gaze turns from earth’s troubles to the throne of God. The upward look signals trust in the Lord’s sovereign rule. Verses 2 – Servant-Like Dependence “Like a servant’s eyes on his master, like a maidservant’s eyes on her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.” Unwavering attention, patience, and expectation characterize the people of God as they await gracious intervention. Verses 3–4 – Plea for Mercy amid Contempt “Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.” Repeated cries for mercy rise from a community wounded by ridicule and oppression, yet confident that God hears and delivers. Psalm 123 is a heartfelt prayer, an appeal to the mercy and grace of the Lord. It is a part of a series of Psalms (120-134) called the "Songs of Ascents," which were traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. With profound humility, the psalmist acknowledges his servitude and dependence on God. The Psalm is a touching plea for deliverance from the mockery and contempt that the author has faced. Authorship and Setting • The heading “A Song of Ascents” groups Psalm 123 with Psalm 120-134, sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. • While some attribute authorship to David, others see a post-exilic voice. Either scenario fits believers who faced mockery—whether from Philistine neighbors in David’s day (1 Samuel 17:26) or from surrounding nations after the exile (Nehemiah 4:1-3). • The psalm functions for both individual prayer and corporate worship. Placement among the Songs of Ascents • Psalm 121 declares help from the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 122 celebrates arrival in Jerusalem. Psalm 123 now acknowledges that even in God’s city, the people still need mercy. • This step-like progression mirrors the pilgrim’s journey: anticipation, arrival, dependence. Literary Structure and Key Words 1. Address to God in heaven (v. 1). 2. Servant imagery (v. 2). 3. Double plea for mercy (v. 3). 4. Double mention of contempt/scorn (v. 3-4). Key words: eyes (v. 1-2), mercy (v. 2-3), contempt (v. 3-4). The repetition adds urgency and rhythm, ideal for communal chanting. Servant Imagery in the Ancient Near East • Household servants watched for the slightest gesture from their masters—perhaps a nod signaling permission to eat or a raised hand indicating a task. • The psalmist applies that posture to believers: total attention, readiness, and humility (compare Isaiah 31:1; Luke 17:7-10). • Archaeological finds such as household reliefs from Lachish depict servants in attentive stance, illustrating the cultural backdrop. Historical Context of Oppression • Mockery surfaces throughout Israel’s story: – Goliath’s taunts (1 Samuel 17:45). – Sanballat ridiculing Jerusalem’s walls (“What are these feeble Jews doing?” Nehemiah 4:2). – Post-exilic Jews facing surrounding hostility (Ezra 4). • Psalm 123 gives voice to any generation enduring verbal abuse while remaining faithful. Archaeological Insights • Pilgrim routes: Stone-cut steps uncovered on the southern approach to Jerusalem align with the ascent theme. • Ostraca from Samaria confirm tensions between Jews and Samaritans around the fifth century BC, matching the climate of contempt reflected here. • The silver scrolls from Ketef Hinnom (7th century BC) containing the priestly blessing demonstrate the long tradition of seeking God’s favor during journeys. Connections to Other Scriptures • Looking upward: Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 40:26. • Cry for mercy: Psalm 86:3; Luke 18:13-14. • Scorn of the proud: Psalm 119:51; Proverbs 3:34 (quoted in James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). • Servant posture: Psalm 123 foreshadows Christ, “taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7) and enduring mockery (Matthew 27:29-31). Themes of Dependence and Mercy • Dependence: The psalm lifts eyes before lifting voices—trust precedes petition. • Mercy: The repeated plea underscores that rescue is not earned but freely given by a compassionate God (Exodus 34:6-7). • Endurance: God’s people can bear contempt because their identity rests in His approval, not human applause. Practical Applications for Believers • Focus: When ridicule strikes—whether at work, school, or online—redirect attention to the Lord’s throne. • Perseverance: Keep “eyes on the LORD…until He shows us mercy.” Waiting is active, expectant, hopeful. • Community: Pray Psalm 123 together; shared suffering strengthens unity (Romans 12:15-16). Worship Use through the Ages • Jewish pilgrims sang it three times a year on the way to the feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). • Early Christians incorporated it into daily offices; monastic communities still chant it at Compline. • Hymns such as “Unto Thee, O Lord, Do I Lift Up My Soul” echo its language. The Messiah in Psalm 123 • Jesus endured “much scorn from the arrogant” (Hebrews 12:3). • He fixed His eyes on the Father (John 5:19). • At the cross the proud mocked Him, yet His plea—“Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34)—fulfilled the heart of Psalm 123’s cry for mercy. Enduring Hope for the Church • Contempt may persist, but it is temporary; God’s compassionate response is certain (Revelation 7:17). • Every generation can sing Psalm 123 while lifting eyes beyond opposition to the reigning Lord, confident that His mercy will prevail. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. This passage echoes the theme of looking to God for help. Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This New Testament verse encourages us to focus on Christ as our example and source of strength. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. This verse reinforces the importance of humility in our relationship with God. Teaching Points Dependence on God Psalm 123:1 begins with, I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing our need to look to God as our ultimate source of help and guidance. Servant's Posture Verse 2 states, As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He shows us mercy. This imagery of a servant's attentive gaze highlights our posture of humility and expectation before God. Cry for Mercy The psalmist repeatedly asks for mercy in verses 3-4, Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. This plea underscores the reality of suffering and the need for God's intervention. Endurance in Faith The psalm reflects a steadfast faith in the midst of adversity, teaching us to remain patient and hopeful as we await God's response. Practical Applications Look to God in Times of Trouble When faced with challenges or contempt, make it a habit to turn your eyes to God, seeking His guidance and strength. Adopt a Servant's Heart Cultivate a posture of humility and readiness to receive from God, much like a servant looks to their master. Pray for Mercy Regularly ask for God's mercy in your life, acknowledging your dependence on His grace and compassion. Persevere in Faith Maintain your faith and trust in God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or when you face ridicule from others. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The psalm begins with an address to the LORD, who is the central figure to whom the psalmist lifts their eyes. In the Hebrew text, the name used is "Yahweh," which is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and relationship with His people. 2. The Servants The psalmist refers to themselves and the community as "servants" who look to the hand of their master. This term reflects a position of humility and dependence on God, acknowledging His authority and their need for His mercy. 3. The Eyes of Servants This metaphorical expression represents the collective focus and expectation of the people towards God, similar to how servants look to their master for provision and guidance. 4. Those at Ease The psalm mentions "those at ease" as part of the group from whom the psalmist seeks relief. This likely refers to those who are complacent or indifferent, possibly oppressors or those who scorn the faithful. 5. The Proud The psalm also refers to "the proud" as those who show contempt. In the Hebrew text, the word used can denote arrogance or haughtiness, indicating individuals who look down on or mock the faithful. Places 1. Heaven The psalm begins with the psalmist lifting their eyes to God, who is in heaven. This is a symbolic place representing God's dwelling and authority. The Hebrew word for heaven is "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim), indicating the sky or the abode of God. 2. Throne While not explicitly mentioned in the BSB translation of Psalm 123, the concept of God's throne is implied as the psalmist looks to God in heaven. The throne symbolizes God's sovereignty and rule. In Hebrew, the word for throne is "כִּסֵּא" (kisse). Events 1. Lifting Eyes to God The psalmist begins by lifting their eyes to God, who is enthroned in heaven. This act of looking up signifies dependence and reverence. The Hebrew word for "enthroned" (יָשַׁב, yashab) conveys the idea of God’s sovereign rule and authority. 2. Servants Looking to Their Master The psalmist compares their dependence on God to that of servants looking to the hand of their master and maidservants to the hand of their mistress. This imagery emphasizes a posture of humility and expectation. The Hebrew word for "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) underscores a relationship of service and submission. 3. Plea for Mercy The psalmist repeatedly asks for God’s mercy, acknowledging their need for divine compassion. The Hebrew word for "mercy" (חָנַן, chanan) suggests a heartfelt plea for grace and favor. 4. Contempt and Scorn The psalmist describes their experience of being filled with contempt and scorn from the proud and arrogant. This reflects a situation of social or personal distress, where the psalmist feels overwhelmed by the disdain of others. The Hebrew word for "contempt" (בּוּז, buz) and "scorn" (לַעַג, laag) highlight the deep disrespect and ridicule faced by the psalmist. Lessons from Psalm 123 1. Look to the Lord for Guidance Psalm 123:1 begins with, "I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven." This verse reminds us to direct our focus upward, seeking divine guidance in all aspects of life. Just as a servant looks to their master for direction, we should consistently turn to God for wisdom and clarity. By doing so, we align our actions with His will, ensuring that our paths are straight and purposeful. 2. Embrace Humility The psalmist acknowledges their position as a servant, highlighting the importance of humility. Recognizing our dependence on God fosters a spirit of humility, which is essential for spiritual growth. "As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master," (Psalm 123:2) we too should adopt a posture of humility, understanding that our strength and success come from God alone. 3. Persevere in Prayer Psalm 123:2 also emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer: "So our eyes look to the LORD our God, till He shows us mercy." This teaches us to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will respond in His perfect timing. Perseverance in prayer strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with God. 4. Seek God's Mercy The psalmist's plea for mercy in Psalm 123:3, "Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy," underscores the necessity of seeking God's compassion and forgiveness. Acknowledging our need for His mercy keeps us grounded and reminds us of the grace that is freely given through Jesus Christ. This awareness encourages us to extend mercy to others, reflecting God's love in our interactions. 5. Endure with Patience The repeated cry for mercy in Psalm 123:3-4 highlights the importance of patience in the face of adversity. "For we have endured much contempt," the psalmist writes, teaching us to remain patient and steadfast, even when faced with scorn or challenges. Patience is a virtue that allows us to trust in God's timing and His ultimate plan for our lives. 6. Trust in God's Justice Psalm 123:4 speaks of enduring "ridicule from the arrogant and contempt from the proud." This reminds us that while we may face injustice or mockery, we can trust in God's perfect justice. He sees all and will ultimately right every wrong. Our role is to remain faithful and trust that God will vindicate us in His time. 7. Cultivate a Servant's Heart The imagery of servants looking to their master in Psalm 123:2 encourages us to cultivate a servant's heart. By serving others selflessly, we reflect the character of Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). A servant's heart is one that seeks to uplift and support others, bringing glory to God through acts of love and kindness. 8. Maintain a Heavenly Perspective Psalm 123:1 reminds us to "lift up our eyes" to the One enthroned in heaven. This encourages us to maintain a heavenly perspective, focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary circumstances. By keeping our eyes fixed on God, we gain clarity and purpose, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with hope and confidence. 9. Find Strength in Community The collective voice in Psalm 123, using "we" and "us," highlights the strength found in community. As believers, we are called to support and encourage one another, sharing in both joys and struggles. Together, we can lift each other up in prayer and stand firm in our faith, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. 10. Rest in God's Sovereignty Ultimately, Psalm 123 teaches us to rest in God's sovereignty. By acknowledging His authority and control over all things, we find peace and assurance. Trusting in God's sovereignty allows us to surrender our worries and fears, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Topics 1. Looking to God for Mercy The psalm begins with the psalmist lifting their eyes to God, who is enthroned in heaven. This act of looking up signifies a posture of dependence and reverence. The Hebrew word for "lift" (נָשָׂא, nasa) conveys an action of raising or elevating one's gaze, indicating a deliberate focus on God. ^"I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven."^ (Psalm 123:1) 2. Servants' Dependence on the Master The psalmist uses the imagery of servants looking to the hand of their master, illustrating a relationship of dependence and expectation. This metaphor highlights the humility and trust that believers should have towards God. The Hebrew term for "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) emphasizes a position of service and submission. ^"As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He shows us mercy."^ (Psalm 123:2) 3. Plea for Mercy Amidst Contempt The psalmist expresses a plea for God's mercy in the face of scorn and contempt from the proud and arrogant. This reflects a common biblical theme where the faithful seek divine intervention against the derision of the ungodly. The Hebrew word for "mercy" (חֵן, chen) is often associated with grace and favor, underscoring the psalmist's reliance on God's benevolence. ^"Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt."^ (Psalm 123:3) 4. Endurance of Scorn from the Proud The psalm concludes with an acknowledgment of the scorn and ridicule endured from those who are at ease and proud. This highlights the tension between the faithful and the arrogant, a recurring theme in the Psalms. The Hebrew word for "scorn" (לַעַג, laag) conveys mockery and derision, emphasizing the emotional burden carried by the psalmist. ^"We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud."^ (Psalm 123:4) Themes 1. Dependence on God Psalm 123 begins with an expression of dependence on God, as the psalmist lifts their eyes to the One enthroned in heaven. This theme highlights the believer's reliance on God's sovereignty and providence. The Hebrew word "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim) is used for "heavens," emphasizing God's exalted position and authority. 2. Servitude and Submission The psalmist uses the imagery of servants looking to the hand of their master, illustrating a theme of servitude and submission to God's will. This reflects a posture of humility and readiness to obey, as seen in the Hebrew word "עֶבֶד" (eved), meaning "servant." 3. Seeking Mercy A central theme in Psalm 123 is the plea for God's mercy. The repetition of the request for mercy underscores the psalmist's earnest desire for God's compassionate intervention. The Hebrew word "חָנַן" (chanan) is used, which conveys the idea of grace and favor. 4. Endurance in Suffering The psalmist speaks of enduring contempt and scorn from the proud and arrogant, highlighting a theme of perseverance through suffering. This reflects the believer's experience of facing opposition and ridicule, yet remaining steadfast in faith. 5. Contrast Between the Humble and the Proud The psalm contrasts the humble position of the psalmist with the arrogance of the oppressors. This theme underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as seen in the Hebrew word "לֵץ" (lets), meaning "scoffer" or "mocker." Prayer Points Pray for a Heart of Dependence Ask God to help you rely on Him fully, lifting your eyes to Him in every situation. Seek God's Mercy Pray for His mercy in areas of your life where you feel overwhelmed or scorned. Cultivate Humility Request that God would give you a humble heart, ready to serve and receive from Him. Strengthen Your Faith Pray for perseverance and strength to endure trials with unwavering faith in God's goodness and timing. As we conclude this study, may we be encouraged to lift our eyes to the Lord, trusting in His mercy and grace to sustain us through every trial. Answering Tough Questions 1. Does the portrayal of God “enthroned in heaven” (Psalm 123:1) clash with modern cosmology, which finds no physical location for a heaven above? 2. Does Psalm 123:2, likening believers to servants at a master’s hand, suggest a power dynamic that contradicts more egalitarian biblical passages? 3. Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence for the specific event behind Psalm 123:3’s plea for mercy? 4. Psalm 123:4 laments the scorn of the proud; does this conflict with other verses implying the righteous should not be shaken by contempt? 5. How can Psalm 123’s insistence on divine mercy be reconciled with other Old Testament texts where God enacts harsh judgment in similar circumstances? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the imagery of a servant looking to their master's hand illustrate our relationship with God? 2. What can we learn from the humility expressed by the psalmist in this Psalm? 3. How does Psalm 123 encourage us to respond to feelings of ridicule or scorn? 4. What does the psalmist's plea for mercy tell us about his understanding of God's character? 5. Can you think of a situation in your life when you felt like the psalmist, scorned or ridiculed? How did you respond? 6. How does the faith expressed in Psalm 123 challenge you in your personal faith journey? 7. How can we cultivate the same kind of trust and dependence on God as expressed in this Psalm? 8. What does this Psalm teach us about the importance of maintaining hope in times of adversity? 9. How might the lessons of this Psalm apply to present-day social issues, such as bullying or online harassment? 10. How does the concept of God's mercy impact your personal interactions and relationships? 11. What does the intensity of the psalmist's plea suggest about the depth of his relationship with God? 12. How would you articulate your plea for God's mercy in your current situation? 13. How does this Psalm challenge our understanding of divine mercy? 14. Can you think of practical ways to manifest the humility demonstrated in this Psalm in your daily life? 15. How would you use this Psalm to comfort someone feeling ridiculed or despised? 16. How might the psalmist's pleas for deliverance from scorn influence the way we pray for those suffering or persecuted? 17. In what ways can we see the hope of the psalmist manifested in your community or society today? 18. How does Psalm 123 shape your understanding of the believer's relationship to God in times of difficulty? 19. Based on this Psalm, how would you encourage someone who feels overlooked or undervalued? 20. How can you relate the trust and hope expressed in Psalm 123 to your personal life, career, or relationships? 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