Psalms 123

Chapter Summary

The psalmist begins by lifting his eyes to God, seeking mercy and rescue from those who despise him (Psalms 123:1-2). He expresses his weariness with the contempt and scorn of the proud, and longs for God to act on his behalf (Psalms 123:3-4). The psalm concludes with a statement of trust in God's faithfulness and a call to wait patiently for Him to act (Psalms 123:5). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist's focus is on God's character and his trust in Him, even in the face of adversity. The psalmist's trust is not based on his own strength or abilities, but on God's mercy and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 123:2, where he says, 'Behold, 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 has mercy on us.'

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 123 is part of the fifth book of the Psalter, which is characterized by its focus on the Messiah and the age to come. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the Psalter, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His ultimate deliverance of them through the Messiah. The psalm's themes of trust, mercy, and faithfulness are also reflected in other biblical passages, such as Exodus 34:6-7, where God reveals His character to Moses, and Matthew 9:36, where Jesus has compassion on the crowds and heals their sick.

Heart Application

The psalmist's trust in God's mercy and faithfulness is a powerful example for us, as we face our own challenges and struggles. We can learn to trust in God's character and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain. By lifting our eyes to God, we can experience His mercy and deliverance, just as the psalmist did. As we reflect on the psalmist's trust, we can ask ourselves, 'Do I trust in God's mercy and faithfulness, or do I rely on my own strength and abilities?' and 'How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God, even in the midst of adversity?'

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 123 is a psalm about trusting in God's mercy and faithfulness, even when we face contempt and scorn from others. The psalmist looks to God for rescue and deliverance, and expresses his trust in God's character and faithfulness. We can learn to trust in God in the same way, by lifting our eyes to Him and seeking His mercy. As the psalmist writes in Psalms 123:2, 'Behold, 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 has mercy on us.'

Voices from the Church

“The mercy of God is not a mere attribute, but a living, active, and abounding grace, which is always ready to forgive and to bless.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The faithfulness of God is the foundation of our trust, and the assurance of His mercy is the comfort of our souls.”

— John Calvin

“The psalmist's cry for mercy is a cry that is answered in the person and work of Christ, who is the mercy of God incarnate.”

— Martin Luther

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction (Psalms 123:1-2) — The psalmist introduces the theme of trust in God's mercy and faithfulness, and expresses his desire for God's rescue and deliverance.
2. The Contempt of the Proud (Psalms 123:3-4) — The psalmist describes the contempt and scorn of the proud, and expresses his weariness with their scorn.
3. Trust in God's Faithfulness (Psalms 123:2) — The psalmist expresses his trust in God's faithfulness, using the image of servants looking to their master's hand for direction and provision.
4. Conclusion (Psalms 123:5) — The psalmist concludes by stating his trust in God's faithfulness and calling on God to act on his behalf.
5. Application (Psalms 123:1-5) — The psalmist's trust in God's mercy and faithfulness is a powerful example for us, as we face our own challenges and struggles. We can learn to trust in God's character and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain.

Core Doctrines

The Mercy of God

The psalmist's cry for mercy is a cry that is answered in the person and work of Christ, who is the mercy of God incarnate. This doctrine is reflected in Psalms 123:2, where the psalmist writes, 'Behold, 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 has mercy on us.'

The Faithfulness of God

The psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness is a key aspect of his relationship with God, and he looks to God's past actions as a guarantee of His future faithfulness. This doctrine is reflected in Psalms 123:2, where the psalmist writes, 'Behold, 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 has mercy on us.'

The Trustworthiness of God

The psalmist's trust in God is rooted in his understanding of God's character and faithfulness, and he looks to God as his rock and refuge. This doctrine is reflected in Psalms 123:1-2, where the psalmist writes, 'To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, 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 has mercy on us.'

The Importance of Dependence on God

The psalmist's posture of dependence on God is a key aspect of his trust, and he recognizes his need for God's mercy and deliverance. This doctrine is reflected in Psalms 123:3-4, where the psalmist writes, 'Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.'

Lessons from Psalms 123

1. The Importance of Trusting in God's Mercy — The psalmist's trust in God's mercy is a powerful example for us, as we face our own challenges and struggles. We can learn to trust in God's character and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain.
2. The Value of Dependence on God — The psalmist's posture of dependence on God is a key aspect of his trust, and he recognizes his need for God's mercy and deliverance. We can learn to cultivate a deeper dependence on God, recognizing our own need for His mercy and deliverance.
3. The Power of Imagery in Conveying Trust — The psalmist's use of imagery, such as the eyes of servants looking to their master's hand, is a powerful way of conveying his trust and dependence on God. We can learn to use imagery and other literary devices to express our own trust and dependence on God.
4. The Importance of Perseverance in Trust — The psalmist's trust in God is not a one-time event, but a ongoing posture of dependence and trust. We can learn to persevere in our trust, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain.
5. The Connection between Trust and Faithfulness — The psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness is a key aspect of his relationship with God, and he looks to God's past actions as a guarantee of His future faithfulness. We can learn to connect our trust in God with His faithfulness, recognizing that His faithfulness is the foundation of our trust.

Themes from Psalms 123

1. Trust in God's Mercy — The psalmist's trust in God's mercy is a dominant theme in the chapter, highlighting his recognition of his need for God's deliverance and rescue.
2. The Contempt of the Proud — The scorn and contempt of the proud is a major challenge that the psalmist faces, and he looks to God for relief from it.
3. The Faithfulness of God — The psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness is a key aspect of his relationship with God, and he looks to God's past actions as a guarantee of His future faithfulness.
4. The Importance of Dependence on God — The psalmist's posture of dependence on God is a key aspect of his trust, and he recognizes his need for God's mercy and deliverance.
5. The Power of Imagery in Conveying Trust — The psalmist's use of imagery, such as the eyes of servants looking to their master's hand, is a powerful way of conveying his trust and dependence on God.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can cultivate a deeper trust in God's mercy and faithfulness in your own life?
2. How does the psalmist's expression of trust in God's faithfulness encourage you to trust in God, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain?
3. What are some ways that you can apply the psalmist's trust in God's mercy and faithfulness to your own relationships and challenges?
4. How does the psalmist's use of imagery, such as the eyes of servants looking to their master's hand, help to convey his trust and dependence on God?
5. What are some ways that you can use the psalmist's expression of trust in God's faithfulness as a model for your own prayers and expressions of trust?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 123

	Sermon	Description
	If Any Man Thirst by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of empty religiosity and the lack of true spiritual fulfillment. He uses the analogy of birdwatching to illustrate how some people
	Q+a Toronto Blessing by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker, Benny, emphasizes the importance of being slow to speak negatively about any child of God. He encourages speaking out against extremism without mention
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 56 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting Psalm 147, emphasizing the importance of praising and worshiping God. The speaker then expresses a burden for revival, both in the lan
	Letter 58 by James Bourne	James Bourne preaches about facing difficulties and trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. He encourages the listener to humbly come before God
	Exposition on Psalm 124 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, emphasizing the unity of believers in Christ as one body with Christ as the Head, even in the face of trials and persecutions. He reflects on
	Privilege by W.H. Griffith Thomas	W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches on the Psalms, emphasizing that blessedness is found in our relationship with God, not in circumstances. He highlights the Christian life as a journey
	How God's Will Is Done in Heaven by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with God's will as it is done in heaven. He explains that angels wait for God's commands, obey immediately, carry out the
	Psalm 123 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the importance of seeking God's mercy in times of contempt and derision, emphasizing the Psalmist's example of looking to God in distress and waiting patientl
	Rest for Your Souls by Eli Brayley	Eli Brayley preaches on the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, emphasizing the need to stand still, look to the ancient paths, ask for the good way, and walk
	At Terce, Sext and None on Monday by St. Benedict of Nursia	St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of daily recitation of Psalms during specific Hours, starting with Psalms 118 on Sunday and Monday, followed by Psalms 119 to 127 f

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 123

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 123 highlights the psalmist's trust in God's mercy and faithfulness, even in the face of contempt and scorn from others. Henry notes that the psalmist's posture of dependence on God is a key aspect of his trust, and that his use of imagery, such as the eyes of servants looking to their master's hand, is a powerful way of conveying his trust and dependence on God. Henry also emphasizes the importance of perseverance in trust, and the connection between trust and faithfulness, highlighting the psalmist's statement of trust in God's faithfulness in Psalms 123:5. Furthermore, Henry notes that the psalmist's trust in God is rooted in his understanding of God's character and faithfulness, and that this trust is a powerful example for us, as we face our own challenges and struggles. As Henry writes, 'The psalmist's trust in God is not a mere sentiment, but a fixed and settled principle, which enables him to look beyond the present troubles, and to see the glory that is to be revealed.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?