Psalms 123:3

Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Have mercy {H2603} upon us, O LORD {H3068}, have mercy {H2603} upon us: for we are exceedingly {H7227} filled {H7646} with contempt {H937}.

Have mercy on us, ADONAI, have mercy; for we have had our fill of contempt,

Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.

Have mercy upon us, O Jehovah, have mercy upon us; For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Psalms 123:3 is a poignant cry for divine compassion, deeply rooted in the experience of overwhelming scorn and derision. It forms part of the "Psalms of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims making their way up to Jerusalem for festivals. This particular verse, following the psalmist's declaration of looking to the Lord (verse 1) and waiting on Him (verse 2), articulates the urgent reason for their gaze: profound suffering at the hands of others.

Context

This psalm reflects the collective voice of a community or individuals who are enduring humiliation and contempt. The "Psalms of Ascent" often express themes of longing for God, trust in His protection, and the trials faced on the journey of faith. Here, the journey is not just physical to Jerusalem, but spiritual, enduring the hardships of a world often hostile to God's people. The plea for mercy arises from a desperate situation where human dignity is under assault, and the only hope is divine intervention.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Plea for Mercy: The repetition of "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us" underscores the intensity and urgency of their need. It is not a casual request but a fervent, doubled cry for God's compassionate action, signifying a profound dependence on His grace when all other avenues seem closed. This echoes similar pleas for God's unfailing mercy found elsewhere in the Psalms.
  • Overwhelming Contempt: The phrase "exceedingly filled with contempt" vividly portrays a state of being saturated with scorn, mockery, and disdain. This is not just a passing insult but a pervasive atmosphere of being despised, perhaps by those in power or by a hostile society. Such contempt can be deeply demoralizing and isolating.
  • Reliance on Divine Compassion: The psalm turns exclusively to the LORD, recognizing Him as the sole source of relief from this oppressive burden. It demonstrates a humble acknowledgement that only God possesses the power and will to deliver them from such a humiliating condition.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mercy" is ḥānan (חָנַן), which implies a gracious bending down from a superior to an inferior, an act of favor or compassion. It speaks to God's willingness to show kindness and help those who are weak or suffering. The term "contempt" is from the Hebrew bûz (בּוּז), meaning disdain, scorn, or mockery. It suggests being treated as worthless or insignificant. The intensity is heightened by "exceedingly filled," indicating they are overwhelmed by this negative treatment, perhaps feeling like a vessel overflowing with scorn.

Practical Application

Psalms 123:3 offers comfort and direction for believers facing ridicule, bullying, or social pressure today. When we feel despised or dismissed by others, this verse reminds us to lift our eyes to God, just as the psalmists did. It teaches us to:

  • Bring our distress to God: No matter how deeply we are scorned, God hears our cries for mercy.
  • Trust in His compassion: Even when human sources of comfort or justice fail, God's mercy is available and sufficient.
  • Maintain a humble posture: The psalm models a posture of humble dependence on God, which is often the key to receiving His grace and deliverance. This attitude aligns with teachings about God resisting the proud but giving grace to the humble.
This verse assures us that our Heavenly Father is attentive to the suffering of His children and is willing to intervene when we desperately seek His favor.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 18:11

    The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

  • 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.

  • Nehemiah 4:2

    And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

  • Nehemiah 4:4

    Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

  • Psalms 57:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.

  • Psalms 89:50

    Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;

  • Psalms 89:51

    Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

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