Psalms 124:6

KJV

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath not given us [as] a prey to their teeth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068}, who hath not given {H5414} us as a prey {H2964} to their teeth {H8127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed be ADONAI, who did not leave us to be a prey for their teeth!

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth.

American Standard Version

Blessed be Jehovah, Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 124:6 stands as a powerful declaration of praise and profound thanksgiving, celebrating the Lord's miraculous and decisive intervention in rescuing His people from overwhelming and predatory adversaries. It expresses immense relief and deep gratitude for divine protection that prevented their utter destruction, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness in safeguarding those who trust in Him from seemingly insurmountable threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 124 is an integral part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection of fifteen psalms likely recited or sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. These psalms often articulate themes of pilgrimage, communal struggle, and divine deliverance. Psalm 124 specifically functions as a communal psalm of thanksgiving, following a vivid depiction of grave peril. Verses 1-5 graphically portray the dire situation Israel faced, employing powerful imagery such as a raging flood that would have "swallowed us up quick" ([Psalm 124:3](/psalms/124-3 "Psalm 124:3 - Swallowed Up Quick")) or overwhelming waters that would have "gone over our soul" ([Psalm 124:4](/psalms/124-4 "Psalm 124:4 - Waters Gone Over Our Soul")). Verse 6 marks a dramatic and joyful pivot from describing the threat to expressing jubilant praise for God's active prevention of their demise. This verse sets the stage for the concluding verses (7-8), which further celebrate the miraculous escape, comparing the soul to a bird freed from a fowler's snare ([Psalm 124:7](/psalms/124-7 "Psalm 124:7 - Bird Escaping the Fowler's Snare")) and culminating in the confident affirmation that "Our help is in the name of the LORD" ([Psalm 124:8](/psalms/124-8 "Psalm 124:8 - Our Help is in the Name of the Lord")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 124 does not pinpoint a specific historical event, its themes resonate deeply with numerous periods in Israel's history where the nation faced existential threats from powerful empires or hostile neighbors. Such threats ranged from the foundational deliverance from Egypt during the Exodus, through the turbulent eras of the Judges and Kings, to the challenges of the post-exilic period. The imagery of being "prey to their teeth" vividly evokes the brutal realities of ancient warfare, where defeated peoples could be utterly consumed, enslaved, or annihilated by victorious armies. As a relatively small nation often surrounded by larger, aggressive powers, Israel's survival was frequently perceived as a direct result of Yahweh's miraculous intervention. This fostered a profound cultural memory of divine protection against overwhelming odds. The act of pilgrimage itself, undertaken on often dangerous roads, was an expression of deep trust in God's safeguarding presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Protection**, portraying God not as a distant observer but as an active, intervening force who "hath not given us" into the hands of enemies, thereby demonstrating His constant vigilance and powerful hand in safeguarding His people. Secondly, it highlights **Profound Gratitude**, as the opening "Blessed be the LORD" establishes a tone of deep appreciation for a rescue that was unexpected or seemed impossible, emphasizing God's mercy and omnipotence. Thirdly, the stark imagery of being "a prey to their teeth" powerfully illustrates the **Vulnerability of Humanity** and the overwhelming nature of evil forces; without God's intervention, humanity is utterly defenseless against such destructive power. Finally, the verse affirms **God's Sovereignty**, asserting His ultimate control over all circumstances, even the malicious intentions of adversaries, as He determines outcomes and prevents His people from being consumed by those who seek their harm, echoing the broader truth that the Lord reigns over all ([Psalm 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord Reigns")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** Derived from the primitive root H1288, meaning "to kneel," this word, when applied to God, signifies a profound act of adoration, praise, and acknowledgment of His inherent goodness, power, and the source of all blessing. It is not a mere polite greeting but a declarative statement of His praiseworthiness, recognizing His active role in the deliverance and sustenance of His people.
* **Prey (Hebrew, _ṭereph'_):** From H2964, this noun literally means "something torn" or "food torn by a wild beast." It powerfully conveys a state of utter helplessness and violent consumption. To be "prey" means to be entirely at the mercy of a predator, destined for destruction and consumption, leaving nothing behind. The word emphasizes the savage intent and the complete vulnerability of the victim, highlighting the severity of the averted fate.
* **Teeth (Hebrew, _shên'_):** From H8127, while a common anatomical term, in this context, "teeth" serves as a vivid metonymy for the destructive power and predatory intent of the adversaries. It intensifies the imagery of _ṭereph_, emphasizing the violent, tearing, and consuming action intended by the enemies, much like a predator's jaws closing on its victim to rip them apart. It speaks to the brutal, visceral nature of the threat and the completeness of the intended annihilation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [be] the LORD":** This opening phrase is a declarative and exclamatory statement of profound praise and adoration. It is a spontaneous, heartfelt acknowledgment that God alone is worthy of praise for the miraculous deliverance experienced. It attributes the salvation not to human strength, wisdom, or cunning, but solely to divine intervention and His inherent goodness.
* **"who hath not given us [as] a prey":** This clause highlights God's active, decisive, and protective role. The phrase "hath not given us" (literally, "has not given us over") signifies God's refusal to abandon His people to their enemies. It implies a divine choice, a powerful act of restraint, and a faithful commitment, preventing the adversaries from achieving their destructive aims. This is a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenant loyalty to His people, ensuring their survival against overwhelming odds.
* **"to their teeth":** This vivid and chilling imagery completes the picture of the averted disaster. "Their teeth" represents the full, savage intent of the enemies to utterly consume and destroy Israel. It underscores the severity of the threat—not merely defeat or subjugation, but annihilation. The deliverance is therefore not simply an escape from battle, but a rescue from being torn apart and devoured, emphasizing the completeness and magnitude of God's protection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily portraying the enemies as predatory beasts and Israel as helpless prey. This vivid imagery powerfully communicates the existential threat faced by God's people and the brutal intent of their adversaries. The specific mention of "teeth" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (teeth) stands for the whole (the devouring, destructive force of the enemy, representing their full malevolent intent). The entire verse functions as an expression of **Thanksgiving** and **Praise**, which is a key literary and theological genre within the Psalms. The dramatic shift from the preceding verses' descriptions of overwhelming danger to this declaration of deliverance creates a powerful sense of **Contrast** and profound relief, underscoring the magnitude of God's intervention and the depth of the psalmist's gratitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's active and sovereign protection over His people. It is a profound testament to His faithfulness, demonstrating that He is not only able but willing to intervene decisively on behalf of those who are His. The imagery of being rescued from "teeth" speaks to the often-overwhelming nature of the forces arrayed against believers, whether they be physical enemies, spiritual adversaries, or life's crushing circumstances. Yet, the psalmist's declaration affirms that God holds ultimate control, preventing His beloved from being utterly consumed. This resonates deeply with the broader narrative of God's covenant loyalty, where He consistently acts as a shield and deliverer for His chosen, ensuring that His purposes for them will prevail despite any opposition.

* [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous, But the Lord Delivers Him Out of Them All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 124:6 calls us to a profound posture of gratitude and unwavering trust in God's unfailing protection. In a world where we often feel vulnerable to various "teeth"—be they economic hardship, relational conflict, spiritual attacks, societal pressures, or personal failures—this verse serves as a potent reminder that our ultimate security rests not in our own strength, foresight, or cunning, but in the sovereign, powerful hand of God. It encourages us to pause and reflect on the countless times God has intervened, both seen and unseen, preventing us from being utterly consumed by circumstances that seemed overwhelming or insurmountable. This reflection should cultivate a deep, abiding thankfulness, transforming our perspective from one of fear and anxiety to one of confident praise and peace. When we face new challenges, we are invited to recall God's past faithfulness and trust that He who has not given us as prey in the past will continue to be our faithful deliverer, guarding our lives and souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "teeth" or overwhelming threats have you faced in your life, and how has God demonstrated His protection and deliverance?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen your trust in Him for present and future challenges, especially when circumstances seem dire?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a more consistent spirit of "Blessed be the LORD" in your daily life, acknowledging His unseen interventions and ongoing protection?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of being "prey" help you appreciate the magnitude and depth of God's deliverance in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Who are "their teeth" referring to in Psalms 124:6?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Psalm 124, "their teeth" refers to the human adversaries of Israel—nations or groups that sought to utterly destroy or consume them. The psalm uses vivid, animalistic imagery (like a raging flood or predatory beasts) to describe the overwhelming and destructive intent of these enemies. While the specific historical event is not named, it represents any situation where Israel faced an existential threat. Theologically, it can also be understood to represent any force, whether physical or spiritual, that aims to devour or annihilate God's people, as seen in the broader biblical narrative of spiritual warfare ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")).

**How does this verse apply to individual believers today?**

Answer: While Psalms 124 was written for a corporate body (Israel), its principles apply profoundly to individual believers. We too face "teeth"—spiritual attacks from the enemy ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Roaring Lion")), overwhelming life circumstances, systemic injustices, or personal struggles that threaten to consume us. This verse reminds us that God is our ultimate protector and deliverer. He has not given us over as prey to these forces. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign hand to guard us, to give thanks for His past and present interventions, and to find solace in the knowledge that our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth ([Psalm 124:8](/psalms/124-8 "Psalm 124:8 - Our Help is in the Name of the Lord")).

**Does God always deliver His people from physical harm, according to this verse?**

Answer: While Psalms 124:6 celebrates a specific deliverance from physical destruction, the Bible also teaches that God's deliverance is not always physical or immediate in this life. Believers may experience suffering, persecution, or even martyrdom, as exemplified by many saints throughout history ([Hebrews 11:35-38](/hebrews/11-35-38 "Hebrews 11:35-38 - By Faith They Suffered")). However, the core truth remains: God never gives His people over to ultimate destruction or eternal separation. His deliverance is often spiritual, preserving faith and hope even amidst trials, and always culminates in eternal salvation. The "teeth" of death and sin, though they may wound, cannot ultimately consume those who belong to Christ, for He has triumphed over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The psalmist's gratitude is for a *prevented* consumption, which points to God's ultimate victory over all forces that seek to destroy His people, whether in this life or the life to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 124:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the definitive Deliverer of God's people from the most formidable "teeth" of all: sin, death, and the power of the devil. Humanity, apart from Christ, is indeed "prey" to these spiritual adversaries, destined for eternal destruction. However, the Lord Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), was not given as prey to the teeth of spiritual death but instead conquered them through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection. He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His sacrifice, Christ delivered those who were held in slavery by their fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death's Power")). While the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Roaring Lion")), Christ ensures that His sheep will never perish, and no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Thus, in Christ, we are more than conquerors, for the Lord has truly "not given us as a prey to their teeth" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")), securing our ultimate and eternal deliverance from all that seeks to consume 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

Psalms 118:13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

Psalms 145:5

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

Psalms 145:6

And [men] shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

Exodus 15:9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

Exodus 15:10

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

Isaiah 10:14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

Isaiah 10:19

And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.