1 If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say—
2 if the LORD had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Questions to consider:
- What would have happened if God had not been for the Israelites?
- Why does the author offer praise to God?
- From where (or whom) does the author (and the nation of Israel) receive his help?
Possibilities for prayer:
In many ways, it seems that this psalm is a direct answer to the previous one. The author in Psalm 123 declares a need, and in Psalm 124 declares the way in which that need has been fulfilled. This psalm is one of praise and thanksgiving, but it can also be a source of encouragement for us. This psalm exemplifies the way in which our requests are heard by God. It is also gives us an example of the way in which we can respond to God when our prayers are answered. Maybe we don't feel as eloquent as David was, but we can be genuine and sincere in our prayers of thanksgiving. Today, write or say a genuine and sincere prayer of thanksgiving for something that God has done or overcome in your life.
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