Psalms 124:1

KJV

¶ A Song of degrees of David. If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

KJV (with Strong's)

A Song {H7892} of degrees {H4609} of David {H1732}. If {H3884} it had not been the LORD {H3068} who was on our side, now may Israel {H3478} say {H559};

Complete Jewish Bible

A song of ascents. By David: If ADONAI hadn't been for us -let Isra'el repeat it -

Berean Standard Bible

If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now declare—

American Standard Version

If it had not been Jehovah who was on our side, Let Israel now say,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 124:1, part of the "Songs of Ascents," opens with a profound and communal declaration of Israel's absolute dependence on the Lord for its very survival. Attributed to David, this verse serves as a powerful preamble to a psalm that vividly recounts the overwhelming dangers faced by the nation, asserting that without God's direct and active intervention, Israel would have been utterly consumed. It establishes the central theme of divine deliverance, prompting the entire nation to confess that their continued existence and freedom are solely due to the Lord's unwavering presence and protective power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 124 stands as a pivotal piece within the collection of "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. These psalms often reflect themes of journey, struggle, hope, and ultimate reliance on God for protection and blessing. Psalm 124, specifically attributed to David, immediately follows Psalm 123, which is a plea for mercy from those who despise them, and precedes Psalm 125, which affirms the security of those who trust in the Lord. This placement highlights a progression from supplication to a confident declaration of God's saving power, emphasizing a communal voice of thanksgiving for deliverance from existential threats, a common motif throughout the collection. The opening "If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side" sets up a dramatic contrast with the subsequent verses (Psalms 124:2-5), which graphically describe the dangers from which God delivered them, making the declaration of verse 1 all the more potent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel's history was punctuated by numerous periods of profound vulnerability, facing powerful empires, internal strife, and external aggressors that often threatened their very existence as a people. From the oppression in Egypt (see [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - Israel's Oppression in Egypt")) to the threats from the Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, and others, the nation frequently found itself on the brink of annihilation. In such a context, the concept of a divine warrior who fights for His people was central to their understanding of God (e.g., [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Fights for Israel")). The communal memory of God's miraculous interventions, such as the deliverance at the Red Sea or victories over seemingly insurmountable foes, shaped their national identity. The pilgrimage festivals, during which these psalms were sung, were not merely religious observances but also profound acts of national remembrance and corporate confession, reinforcing their covenant relationship with YHWH and His unique role as their protector and deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Deliverance**, asserting that God alone is the ultimate source of salvation and protection for His people. The implied alternative—utter destruction—underscores that human strength, wisdom, or military might would have been utterly insufficient. This leads directly to the theme of **Absolute Dependence on God**, highlighting humanity's profound need for divine assistance and a humble acknowledgment that Israel's continued existence and freedom are not a result of their own merit or power, but of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. Finally, the phrase "now may Israel say" introduces the theme of **Corporate Confession and Testimony**, acting as a liturgical invitation for the entire nation to publicly and perpetually declare God's faithfulness and mighty acts, fostering a spirit of communal gratitude and remembrance for His steadfast love and powerful intervention in their history, as seen in countless instances of God's faithfulness to His people (e.g., [Joshua 24:1-13](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address and Covenant Renewal")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Song of degrees" (Hebrew, _Shir Hama'alot'_):** This superscription, translated as "Song of Ascents" or "Song of Steps," identifies Psalm 124 as one of a unique collection (Psalms 120-134). The term likely refers to the pilgrim songs sung by Israelites as they "ascended" to Jerusalem for the three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, Booths). It could also refer to the fifteen steps leading from the Court of Women to the Court of Israel in the Temple, or metaphorically to a gradual "ascent" in spiritual understanding or deliverance. This designation immediately sets the communal, worshipful, and pilgrimage context, indicating a song meant for corporate declaration and reflection on God's faithfulness during a journey, both physical and spiritual.
* **"the LORD" (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenantal name, revealed to Moses at the burning bush (see [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")). Its use here emphasizes God's distinct identity as the sovereign, self-existent God who actively enters into covenant relationship with His people. It is not a generic deity but the specific God of Israel, who remembers His promises, is faithful to His word, and intervenes powerfully in history on behalf of His chosen nation. The mention of YHWH underscores the unique and personal nature of the divine intervention described in the psalm.
* **"on our side" (Hebrew, _shehayah lanu'_):** This phrase literally means "who was for us" or "who belonged to us," conveying the idea of active advocacy, alliance, and powerful support. It implies God's personal involvement and commitment to Israel's well-being and protection. It's not merely a passive presence but an active, defending, and delivering force. This expression highlights God's unwavering solidarity with His people, standing with them against all opposing forces, and acting decisively to ensure their preservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Song of degrees of David.":** This initial superscription provides crucial information about the psalm's authorship, genre, and intended use. Attributing it to David suggests a foundational and authoritative declaration, connecting this communal song of deliverance to Israel's most revered king and poet. The "Song of degrees" identifies it as one of the pilgrim songs, indicating its purpose for corporate worship and remembrance during ascent to Jerusalem, framing the subsequent declaration within a context of national identity and spiritual journey.
* **"If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side,":** This is a powerful conditional clause, immediately setting a dramatic tone. The implied consequence, left unstated but profoundly understood, is utter destruction or consumption. The phrase "the LORD who was on our side" underscores the absolute necessity of God's active, personal, and covenantal intervention. It posits a hypothetical scenario where Israel's very existence hung by a thread, and only the unique, powerful, and committed presence of YHWH as their ally prevented their demise. This highlights the magnitude of the threats faced and the singular source of their salvation.
* **"now may Israel say;":** This concluding phrase serves as a liturgical call to action, an urgent invitation for the entire nation, collectively and perpetually, to declare this foundational truth. It transforms the historical reality into a living confession, urging every generation of Israel to acknowledge God's faithfulness as the sole reason for their survival and prosperity. It emphasizes the communal nature of their deliverance and the corporate responsibility to bear witness to God's mighty acts, fostering a spirit of gratitude, humility, and ongoing dependence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 124:1 employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Hypothetical Statement** ("If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side"), which immediately establishes a dramatic tension. By presenting a counterfactual scenario, the psalmist powerfully underscores the dire consequences that would have ensued without divine intervention, thereby magnifying the Lord's saving work. This is closely linked to **Implied Consequence**, where the devastating outcome of God's absence is left unsaid but is palpably felt, allowing the audience to fill in the blank with their own experiences of peril. The phrase "now may Israel say" functions as a **Call to Confession** or **Direct Address** to the nation, transforming the psalm from a mere historical recounting into a liturgical and communal declaration. This also highlights the **Corporate Voice**, as the use of "our" and "Israel" emphasizes a collective experience of peril and deliverance, fostering unity and shared gratitude. The entire verse serves as a powerful **Proem** or introduction, setting the stage for the detailed recounting of dangers and deliverance in the subsequent verses, building anticipation for the full testimony of God's saving acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 124:1 serves as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the absolute necessity of God's intervention for the preservation of His people. It articulates a core biblical truth: humanity, in its own strength, is utterly insufficient against overwhelming forces, whether physical or spiritual. The psalm's declaration that "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side" is not merely a historical observation but a timeless theological principle affirming that all true deliverance, sustenance, and victory ultimately flow from God's active presence and power. This resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God as the covenant-keeping Deliverer, who consistently acts on behalf of His chosen people, not because of their merit, but because of His faithfulness to His own promises and His steadfast love. It cultivates a theology of humble dependence and profound gratitude, where all glory for salvation is rightly ascribed to God alone.

* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")
* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Will Fight For You")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 124:1 offers a timeless and vital lesson for believers today, both individually and corporately. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and attributes success to human ingenuity or strength, this verse calls us back to a fundamental truth: our very existence, our deliverances from trials, and our victories over spiritual adversaries are ultimately rooted in God's active presence "on our side." It compels us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and that without the Lord's sustaining hand, we would be overwhelmed by the challenges of life. When facing personal struggles, spiritual attacks, or societal pressures, this psalm reminds us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of the threat to the omnipotence of our God. It fosters humility, strengthens faith, and encourages a confident, yet dependent, posture before the One who continually fights for us and sustains us. Let us, like ancient Israel, make it our confident and communal declaration: "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side!"

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "threat" or overwhelming situation where you need to remember that the Lord is "on your side"?**
* **How does acknowledging God's past faithfulness in your life or in the history of the church strengthen your faith for present and future challenges?**
* **What might it look like for your local church community to collectively declare and live out the truth of Psalm 124:1 in its mission and witness?**
* **How can this verse encourage you to rely more fully on God's strength rather than your own in moments of weakness or temptation?**

### FAQ
**What is a "Song of degrees" or "Song of Ascents," and why is it significant for this psalm?**

Answer: "Song of degrees" is the King James Version translation of the Hebrew _Shir Hama'alot_, which is more commonly rendered "Song of Ascents." This title designates a collection of fifteen psalms (Psalms 120-134) traditionally sung by Jewish pilgrims as they "ascended" to Jerusalem for the three great annual festivals: Passover, Weeks (Pentecost), and Booths (Tabernacles). The significance for Psalm 124:1 is profound: it frames the psalm as a communal song of worship, remembrance, and thanksgiving, meant to be declared by the entire nation. It implies a journey, both physical and spiritual, where the pilgrims reflect on God's past deliverances and express their ongoing dependence on Him as they approach His holy city. This context emphasizes the corporate nature of the declaration in verse 1, making it a national anthem of divine dependence.

**Why is it important that "the LORD" (YHWH) is specifically mentioned as being "on our side"?**

Answer: The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) is crucial because it refers to God's personal, covenantal name, revealed to Moses (see [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")). This is not a generic deity but the specific God of Israel, who entered into a unique relationship with His people through a covenant. When the psalm states that YHWH was "on our side," it emphasizes His active, personal, and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It signifies His unique role as Israel's divine warrior, protector, and advocate, distinguishing Him from any other gods or human powers. This highlights that their deliverance was not due to chance, human strength, or the intervention of a distant deity, but to the specific, faithful, and powerful action of the God who has bound Himself to Israel.

**How does this verse, which emphasizes God's sole role in deliverance, relate to the concept of human responsibility or effort?**

Answer: While Psalm 124:1 unequivocally attributes Israel's survival to God alone, it does not negate human responsibility or effort. Instead, it places human actions within their proper theological framework: ultimately dependent on God's sustaining power and sovereign will. The psalm acknowledges that human efforts, no matter how valiant, would have been insufficient without God's decisive intervention. It's not about human passivity, but about recognizing that even when humans act, their success is ultimately enabled and secured by God. For instance, Israel fought battles, but it was God who gave the victory (e.g., [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The LORD Your God Goes With You")). This verse cultivates humility, preventing pride in human achievement, and fosters a deep reliance on God, knowing that true security and deliverance come from Him alone, even when He uses human instruments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 124:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as ancient Israel declared that their survival was solely due to the LORD being "on our side," believers today recognize that their spiritual salvation and eternal security are entirely dependent on God's decisive intervention in Christ. Jesus, as "Immanuel," literally means "God with us" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Immanuel Prophecy") and fulfilled in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), is the ultimate embodiment of God being "on our side." Without His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, humanity would have been utterly consumed by sin, death, and the power of the enemy. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, powerfully declaring, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")). Christ's triumph over the principalities and powers (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) is the ultimate deliverance, securing for His people a salvation that no earthly or spiritual foe can undo. Therefore, the Church, as the new Israel, continually declares that if it had not been the Lord Jesus Christ who was on our side, we would be lost forever, but in Him, we have eternal life and an unshakeable hope, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5-6](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5-6 - God Will Never Leave Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Psalms 56:9

When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me.

Psalms 54:4

¶ Behold, God [is] mine helper: the Lord [is] with them that uphold my soul.

Psalms 120:1

¶ A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.