Psalm 124 Commentary
What if the LORD had not been on our side? Let the saint answer this question.
The enemy didn’t stand a chance against you because the LORD said no. And the LORD broke the hunter’s trap. The saint is unharmed and free like a bird. Let the saint thank the LORD.
The psalm reflects on the generosity of the LORD. He joins the battle and sides with the saint. He becomes the Commander of the Armies of the LORD. We should not forget.
This psalm is written to people who probably go about their lives without ever thinking about the generosity of the LORD. If they have a good income, it’s because they have worked hard. If they are healthy, it’s because they have taken care of themselves. If they navigate moments of trouble unharmed, it’s because they have the right connections. Smart people are exposed to many temptations but none is more severe than the thought that they have made it all by themselves.
Petitionary prayer is important but at some point, you easily understand that it isn’t all about our poorly said prayers. The psalmist is inviting the saint to ponder this important question: what if the LORD had not been on my side? Our side, actually; not my side. The plural may suggest a thought that covers a wider view of God’s interventions in the Body of Christ in time and space.
It is the enemy’s plan to diminish or completely extinguish the thought of God’s generosity. We easily forget.
The last section mentions the saint’s escape from traps. While many attacks are visible and physically present, many are camouflaged in all sorts of things. Traps are everywhere. We cannot see them. The best traps are completely indiscernible. You won’t laugh at anyone for falling into one. Yet the LORD ensures and possibly also insures our safety against these traps.
The man associated with this psalm won many battles. David is also known to have escaped countless times from his enemies. The saint is aware of the fact that there are countless unknown moments of salvation. We don’t know a thing about it because it didn’t happen. And we didn’t even see the trap! Praise the LORD!
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 