Psalm 123 Commentary
The term ‘Servant of the LORD’ is a very high title reserved for men and women with special callings. Moses had the rare privilege of being addressed as such. To be a servant at the Heavenly Palace is no small achievement!
The psalmist here is referring to the general servanthood of believers. They say yes to the Master Jesus Christ. They are obedient to the Way. They have lost their freedoms. They work for their Master.
In some cases, men became servants because of a commercial transaction. Money exchanged hands. In other cases, prisoners of war become servants. The LORD Jesus Christ attacked the kingdom of darkness and walked away with prisoners – the people we call saints.
The scripture uses various images of servanthood to describe the saved man’s relationship with the Creator God. In most cases, a servant owns nothing and must be sustained by his master. It is this model that the psalmist picks for his prayer. And it is truly powerful!
The believers have had it tough for a long time. They, therefore, lift their eyes to their Master for relief. They have in mind the fact that they are servants of the Most High God. They depend on the Master for everything, including freedom from persecution and contempt.
The NIV translation uses the word contempt. Look at the synonyms of the word contempt and you will have a good reason to pray like the psalmist. The saint has experienced disdain, dislike, disrespect, disapproval, scorn, and hatred. Indeed, the saint has a good reason to lift up his or her eyes to the LORD in prayer for relief.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt. Amen
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