Psalms 124:2

KJV

If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

KJV (with Strong's)

If {H3884} it had not been the LORD {H3068} who was on our side, when men {H120} rose up {H6965} against us:

Complete Jewish Bible

If ADONAI hadn't been for us when people rose to attack us,

Berean Standard Bible

if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,

American Standard Version

If it had not been Jehovah who was on our side, When men rose up against us;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 124:2 serves as a profound declaration of divine intervention and indispensable protection. It articulates the conviction that Israel's survival and deliverance from overwhelming human opposition were solely attributable to the active presence and defense of the LORD. As part of the "Songs of Ascents," it encapsulates a communal thanksgiving, emphasizing that without God's direct involvement, the nation would have been utterly consumed by its adversaries, thus underscoring His absolute sovereignty and faithfulness as their ultimate deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 124 is a communal psalm of thanksgiving, specifically a "Song of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the major festivals. It immediately follows Psalms 123, a psalm of desperate appeal for mercy, suggesting a transition from fervent prayer in distress to profound gratitude for deliverance. Verse 2 directly builds upon the rhetorical opening of verse 1, "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—let Israel now say—" (NIV), establishing the foundational premise that the entire psalm's message hinges on God's singular, decisive action. The subsequent verses (3-5) vividly describe the nature of the threat—likening enemies to a raging flood or ravenous beasts—to heighten the sense of peril and magnify the miracle of divine rescue. The psalm concludes with a declaration of trust in God's name, reinforcing the theme of His exclusive role in salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical event prompting this psalm is not explicitly stated, the language suggests a significant national crisis from which Israel was miraculously delivered. This could refer to various periods of oppression or military threat, such as the Assyrian or Babylonian invasions, or even earlier deliverances from Egypt or the Philistines. The phrase "men rose up against us" points to human adversaries, likely powerful nations or internal enemies, who sought to annihilate the people of God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, national identity was deeply intertwined with the patron deity's power and favor. For Israel, this meant their very existence was a testament to Yahweh's unique covenant faithfulness and omnipotence, especially when facing empires far superior in military might. The pilgrimage context of the "Songs of Ascents" further implies a public, communal acknowledgment of God's hand in their history, reinforcing national identity and faith during their journeys to the spiritual heart of their land.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 124:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, asserting that God alone possesses the power and will to save His people from insurmountable odds. This verse underscores the **Helplessness of Humanity Without God**, portraying a scenario where human strength or ingenuity would have been utterly futile against the overwhelming forces described in later verses as a "torrent" or "raging waters" ([Psalms 124:4](/psalms/124-4 "Psalms 124:4 - The Torrent of Enemies")). It highlights God's role as the **Active Protector and Defender** of His covenant people, an ever-present ally who "was on our side." This concept resonates deeply with the prophetic promises of God's unwavering presence, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You"). The psalm, built upon this foundational declaration, also serves as a profound expression of **Communal Thanksgiving and Acknowledgment**, calling the nation to publicly declare God's faithfulness and intervention, fostering a collective memory of His saving acts for future generations, much like the recounting of the Exodus in [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Explaining the Statutes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, YHWH, revealing His personal, relational, and unchanging character. Its use here emphasizes that it was not a generic deity or a stroke of luck, but the specific God of Israel, the one who made promises and keeps them, who intervened decisively. It underscores His unique sovereignty and active involvement in the affairs of His people, distinguishing Him from all other gods.
* **on our side (Hebrew, _lanu'_):** The Hebrew preposition לָנוּ (_lanu_) literally means "for us" or "to us." It conveys more than mere passive presence; it signifies active advocacy, support, and alignment. It implies that God was not an indifferent observer but an engaged participant, actively working on behalf of His people, providing defense, strength, and strategic advantage against their adversaries. This highlights His benevolent disposition and commitment to His covenant.
* **rose up (Hebrew, _qam'_):** From the verb קוּם (_qum_), meaning "to rise," "stand up," or "arise." In this context, especially with the preposition "against us" (עָלֵינוּ, _‘aleinu_), it denotes a hostile, aggressive, and deliberate act of opposition. It suggests a concerted effort by enemies to attack, overpower, and destroy, implying a significant, organized threat rather than a minor skirmish. This verb choice emphasizes the intentionality and formidable nature of the human opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side":** This opening clause, a conditional statement, sets the entire premise of the psalm. It is a rhetorical device that posits a counterfactual scenario – what would have happened if God had *not* intervened. The emphatic declaration that it *was* the LORD on their side highlights His indispensable role. It points to God's active, personal involvement as their advocate and defender, without whom their situation would have been hopeless. This phrase establishes divine agency as the sole cause of their deliverance, removing any possibility of human credit.
* **"when men rose up against us":** This clause describes the specific context and nature of the threat. "Men" (אדם, _adam_ or איש, _ish_ – though the KJV's "men" here often refers to humanity in general or specific adversaries) indicates human adversaries, not natural disasters or abstract forces. The phrase "rose up against us" (קָם עָלֵינוּ, _qam ‘aleinu_) vividly portrays a hostile, aggressive, and determined opposition, suggesting a direct and violent confrontation aimed at their destruction. This emphasizes the gravity of the danger and the seemingly overwhelming odds faced by God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent literary devices in Psalms 124:2. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question/Conditional Statement**, beginning with "If [it had not been] the LORD..." This structure immediately draws the reader into a contemplation of a dire alternative reality, powerfully emphasizing the absolute necessity of God's intervention. It functions as a form of **A fortiori argument**, suggesting that if God had not acted, the outcome would have been catastrophic, thereby magnifying the greatness of His actual deliverance. The phrase "men rose up against us" uses **Synecdoche**, where "men" represents the collective force of all human adversaries, encompassing their numbers, strength, and malicious intent. This phrase also creates a strong sense of **Antithesis** when contrasted with "the LORD who was on our side," highlighting the stark opposition between human hostility and divine protection. The entire verse serves as a foundational **Declaration**, setting the stage for the vivid imagery of overwhelming danger (like floods and ravenous beasts) that follows in the subsequent verses, thus building suspense and amplifying the ultimate deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 124:2 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of divine providence and the absolute dependence of God's people on His active intervention. It articulates a fundamental theological truth: human strength, ingenuity, or numbers are ultimately insufficient against determined opposition unless God Himself is actively involved. This verse is not merely a historical recounting but a timeless declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, acting as their defender and deliverer. It teaches that salvation, whether from physical enemies or spiritual adversaries, originates solely from His sovereign will and power. The psalmist's rhetorical question compels believers across generations to acknowledge God as the indispensable source of their security and triumph, fostering a posture of profound gratitude and humble reliance.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The LORD Your God Goes With You")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")
* [Hebrews 13:6](/hebrews/13-6 "Hebrews 13:6 - The Lord Is My Helper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 124:2 offers profound encouragement and a vital theological lens through which to view our own struggles and triumphs. In a world where we often rely on human strategies, personal strength, or worldly alliances, this verse redirects our gaze to the ultimate source of deliverance: the LORD Himself. It challenges us to honestly assess our vulnerabilities and acknowledge that without God's active presence "on our side," we are truly helpless against the myriad "men" who "rise up against us"—whether they be spiritual forces, societal pressures, personal temptations, or physical adversaries. This psalm calls us to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for past deliverances, recognizing God's unseen hand in our lives. More importantly, it fosters a radical trust, urging us to lean not on our own understanding but on the unfailing power and faithfulness of the One who stands with us. When faced with overwhelming odds, our confidence should not be in our own might, but in the certainty that if the LORD is for us, nothing can truly stand against us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing opposition that feels overwhelming, and how does this verse reframe your perspective on that challenge?**
* **How often do you attribute your successes or deliverances to your own efforts rather than to God's indispensable presence "on your side"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more active trust in God as your ultimate defender, especially when "men rise up against you"?**

### FAQ

**What does "If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful rhetorical device emphasizing the absolute necessity of God's intervention. It means that had the LORD not actively, personally, and decisively sided with His people, they would have been utterly destroyed by their enemies. It removes any possibility of human credit for their survival, attributing deliverance solely to God's sovereign power and faithfulness. It's a declaration that their existence was a miracle, sustained only by divine favor and protection, as highlighted throughout the psalm, particularly in verses that describe the overwhelming nature of the threat, like the "raging waters" that would have "swallowed us alive" if God had not been present ([Psalms 124:3-5](/psalms/124-3 "Psalms 124:3-5 - The Torrent of Enemies")).

**Who are the "men who rose up against us" in this psalm?**

Answer: The "men" (Hebrew: אדם, _adam_ or איש, _ish_) refer to human adversaries, likely powerful and numerous enemies who sought to harm or destroy Israel. While the psalm doesn't specify a particular historical event, it speaks to any significant national threat or oppression Israel faced, whether from foreign armies (e.g., Assyrians, Babylonians), internal rebellion, or other forms of hostile aggression. The language is intentionally broad to allow for application to various historical contexts where God's people faced overwhelming human opposition, underscoring the timeless truth that God is their ultimate defender against all human schemes and power.

**How does this psalm encourage believers in modern times?**

Answer: Psalms 124:2 offers profound encouragement by reminding believers that God remains their active defender against all forms of opposition, whether spiritual, emotional, social, or physical. It teaches us to look beyond our own strength or the apparent power of our adversaries and to place our ultimate trust in God's sovereign protection. Just as He delivered ancient Israel from seemingly insurmountable threats, He is faithful to be "on our side" today. This fosters a spirit of gratitude for past deliverances and cultivates a confident reliance on His presence and power in present and future challenges, echoing the New Testament assurance that "If God is for us, who can be against us?" ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 124:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God "on our side." While the psalm speaks of God's historical deliverance of Israel from physical enemies, Christ's work accomplishes a far greater salvation: deliverance from sin, death, and the power of the devil. The "men who rose up against us" ultimately represent the spiritual forces of evil and the pervasive power of sin that held humanity captive ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). Had it not been for the LORD, in the person of Jesus Christ, actively coming "on our side" through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, humanity would have been utterly consumed by these spiritual adversaries ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His crucifixion, where He bore the full weight of human sin, was the decisive act of God being "for us" against the spiritual forces that sought our destruction ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")). His resurrection is the irrefutable proof that the "snare is broken, and we have escaped" ([Psalms 124:7](/psalms/124-7 "Psalms 124:7 - The Snare Is Broken")), not by our might, but by His victorious power. Thus, Psalms 124:2 becomes a powerful testament to the indispensable work of Christ, through whom God decisively intervened to secure eternal deliverance for all who believe, making us more than conquerors through Him who loved us ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

Psalms 22:12

Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.

Psalms 22:13

They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Psalms 3:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.

Psalms 21:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Psalms 21:2

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.