Psalms 124:2

Commentary on Psalms 124:2 (KJV)

Psalms 124:2 is a powerful declaration of God's indispensable role in the deliverance of His people. Part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, this verse is a direct continuation of the first verse, emphasizing that Israel's survival was solely due to the LORD's intervention against their adversaries.

Context

Psalm 124 is a psalm of communal thanksgiving, reflecting on a significant national deliverance from overwhelming danger. The psalmist, likely King David or a Levite, uses vivid imagery to convey the magnitude of the threat and the certainty of destruction had God not intervened. The phrase "If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side" is a rhetorical device that highlights the absolute necessity of divine presence and action. This psalm speaks to moments when external forces, described as "men rose up against us," sought to utterly consume God's people, whether through military aggression, political oppression, or spiritual attack. It serves as a reminder to future generations of God's unfailing protection.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Intervention: The central message is that God is the ultimate, indispensable deliverer. Without His active presence and support, the people would have been utterly overwhelmed. This highlights God's supreme power over human opposition.
• Helplessness of Man Without God: The verse implicitly acknowledges the vulnerability of humanity when facing powerful, hostile forces. Human strength, strategies, or numbers would have been insufficient against such determined adversaries.
• God as Protector and Defender: The phrase "the LORD who was on our side" powerfully portrays God as an active ally, advocate, and defender of His people. This concept of divine favor and protection is a cornerstone of biblical faith, echoing the powerful declaration in Romans 8:31, 'If God be for us, who can be against us?'
• Thanksgiving and Acknowledgment: The entire psalm, built upon this foundational declaration, is an expression of profound gratitude and public acknowledgment of God's saving power. It calls for Israel, and by extension, believers today, to recognize and declare God's faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "on our side" translates the preposition לָנוּ (lanu), meaning "for us" or "to us." It conveys not just passive presence, but active support and advocacy. It indicates that God was actively engaged in their defense. The phrase "rose up against us" (קָם עָלֵינוּ - qam aleinu) signifies a violent, aggressive, and hostile uprising, suggesting a deliberate and powerful attempt to inflict harm or destruction.

Practical Application

Psalms 124:2 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing various challenges today. It reminds us that no matter how formidable the opposition—whether personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual warfare—our ultimate hope and defense rest in the LORD. This verse calls us to:

• Cultivate Gratitude: Reflect on past deliverances and acknowledge God's hand in them.
• Foster Trust: Place our reliance on God's power and faithfulness rather than human strength or ingenuity. The psalmist's recognition of God as their sole defense is a timeless truth, reminding us that our ultimate refuge and strength is the Lord Himself.
• Find Encouragement in Adversity: When "men rise up against us" in any form, remember that God remains "on our side," ready to intervene and deliver.