Bible Commentary

Psalms 123:1-4

Psalms 123:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

The ultimate Refuge.

"Unto thee lift I up mine eyes," etc. "This psalm," says J. J. S. Perowne, "is either the sigh of the exile towards the close of the Captivity, looking in faith and patience for the deliverance which he hoped was now at hand; or the sigh of those who, having returned, were still exposed to the scorn and contempt of the Samaritans and others who harassed and insulted the Jews." God was their Refuge from such men, as he is the ultimate Refuge from all the ills and evils of this life.

I. THE PSALMIST FINDS HOPE IN GOD'S SUPREMACY. Enthroned in the heavens—the Judge of all controversies among his creatures, who will vindicate the righteous cause. Greatest power of service to humanity under his control.

II. THE GRACIOUS MERCY OF GOD IS HIS ALL-SUFFICIENT REFUGE FROM THE CONTEMPT AND PERSECUTION OF MAN.

III. SENSE OF DEPENDENCE UPON GOD NECESSARY TO REALIZE HIS HELP. As the lower must always depend on the higher.

IV. THE VISION AND CONTEMPLATION OF GOD NECESSARY TO THE SENSE OF DEPENDENCE. Looking away from man up to God, as the servant studies the face of his master in order to read his duty.—S.

Psalms

Psalms 123 - psalms-123 - worlddic.com

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Psalms 123 — OverviewPsalms 123 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis psalm was penned at a time when the church of God was brought low and trampled upon; some think it was when the Jews were captives in Babylon, though that was not the only time that they were insulted over…Psalms 123 — OverviewPsalms 123 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 123:1, The godly profess their confidence in God; Psalms 123:3, and pray to be delivered from contempt. This Psalm is probably a complaint of the captives in Babylon, relative to the contempt and cruel usage they…Psalms 123 — OverviewPsalms 123 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSong of degrees. This psalm is not thought to be written by David, but by some other person in later times; and at a time, as is clear, when the people of God were much exposed to the scorn and contempt of men. Dr.…Psalms 123:1-4Psalms 123:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here, I. The solemn profession which God's people make of faith and hope in God, v. 1, 2. Observe, 1. The title here given to God: O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Our Lord Jesus has taught us, in…Psalms 123:1Psalms 123:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryUnto thee lift I up mine eyes (comp. Psalms 121:1, where the psalmist "lifted up his eyes" to God's dwelling-place). Now the expression is bolder. The eyes are lifted up to God himself. Oh thou that dwellest in the…Psalms 123:1Psalms 123:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryOur uplook to God. This is the characteristic possibility for humanity. The cattle have no uplooking eyes, and no yearning hearts to find expression by uplooking eyes. Man can look up, pierce the veil of sense, and see…