¶ A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
A Song {H7892} of degrees {H4609}. Unto thee lift I up {H5375} mine eyes {H5869}, O thou that dwellest {H3427} in the heavens {H8064}.
A song of ascents: I raise my eyes to you, whose throne is in heaven.
I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that sittest in the heavens.
-
Psalms 121:1
¶ A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. -
Psalms 141:8
But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. -
Psalms 25:15
¶ Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. -
Psalms 2:4
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. -
Luke 18:13
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. -
Psalms 11:4
¶ The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. -
Matthew 6:9
¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Psalm 123:1 opens one of the fifteen "Songs of degrees" (also known as "Songs of Ascents" or "Pilgrim Songs," Psalms 120-134), which were likely sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. This opening verse immediately sets a tone of profound reliance and humble supplication.
Context
The collection of "Songs of degrees" reflects the spiritual journey and experiences of those traveling to the Temple in Jerusalem. This particular psalm, like many in the collection, expresses a deep sense of dependence on God amidst challenging circumstances. The act of "lifting up mine eyes" was a common posture of prayer and a visual representation of seeking help from a higher power, especially when earthly avenues seemed closed or insufficient. The destination of their gaze is explicit: "O thou that dwellest in the heavens," emphasizing God's transcendence and His supreme authority over all earthly matters and human plights.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "A Song of degrees" (Hebrew: Shir Hama'alot) literally means "Song of Ascents." While its precise musical or liturgical meaning is debated, it strongly points to the upward journey—either physically to Jerusalem or spiritually towards God. The expression "lift I up mine eyes" (Hebrew: nasa'ti 'eyniy) is a powerful idiom found throughout Scripture, always conveying a posture of earnest expectation, prayer, or seeking divine intervention. For instance, Psalm 121:1 also begins with this imagery, though with a slight thematic difference regarding the source of help. The description "O thou that dwellest in the heavens" (Hebrew: hayoshev bashamayim) is a direct address to God, emphasizing His divine abode and supreme rule, separating Him from all earthly powers and idols.
Practical Application
Psalm 123:1 offers a timeless model for prayer and spiritual posture, particularly in times of distress, uncertainty, or when human solutions prove inadequate. It reminds believers to: