Psalm 124
God's deliverance is freely given, and His aid is perfect victory over our enemies.
Henry Law emphasizes that all deliverance comes freely from God's hand, deserving grateful blessings. The enemies of God's children, led by the devil, are numerous and malicious, seeking to overwhelm and destroy. However, the Lord is always present to support His people, ensuring perfect victory over all hostility. Through vivid imagery of rescue from a devouring lion and escape from a fowler's snare, Law urges gratitude and praises for God's continuous deliverance and protection.
Text
All deliverance is freely given by the hand of God. To Him let grateful blessings ever be ascribed.
1-5. "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us; then they would have swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the proud waters would have gone over our soul."
Many are the adversaries of God's children. They are headed by the arch-enemy, the devil. He is depicted as a lion for strength, a serpent for subtlety, a dragon for fierceness. He is aided by followers who are a legion for multitude. Tender feeling is a stranger to such foes. Like the waters of an overwhelming flood, they would work utter desolation. Their malice must succeed, if One mightier than the strong one interposed not. But the Lord is ever near to support His people. Vain is all hostility. His aid is perfect victory.
6. "Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth."
The soul is represented as a defenseless lamb trembling in the fangs of a ravenous beast, ready to mangle, eager to devour. But rescue intervenes. So our Heavenly Father delivers from the teeth of the devouring lion. Let grateful thanks be devoutly given.
7. "Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare has broken, and we have escaped."
Another image represents the soul entangled in the fowler's net. A kind hand brings escape. When the case seems to be hopeless, mercy gives freedom. Again let praises shout aloud.
8. "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Surely we must perish if earth only rendered aid. But the great Creator who sits on the throne of omnipotence puts forth His might in our defense. This power is an impregnable fortress of defense. Let us thank Him, bless Him, and adore.
Sermon Outline
- God's Deliverance is Freely Given
- The Adversaries of God's Children
- God's Deliverance in Action
- Our Help is in the Name of the Lord
- The Lord is our Deliverer
- The Lord's Aid is Perfect Victory
- The Devil and His Followers
- The Malice of the Adversaries
- Rescue from the Teeth of the Devouring Lion
- Escape from the Fowler's Net
- The Lord's Power is an Impregnable Fortress
Key Quotes
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us;” — Henry Law
“Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth.” — Henry Law
“Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare has broken, and we have escaped.” — Henry Law
Application Points
- We should always remember that God's deliverance is freely given, and we should be grateful for it.
- We should not underestimate the power of our enemies, but we should trust in God's mighty power to deliver us.
- We should respond to God's deliverance with thanksgiving, blessing, and adoration.