Psalms 120-134 are titled the Songs of Ascents. Many scholars believe the title indicates that these psalms were sung by worshippers as they ascended the road to Jerusalem to attend the three pilgrim festivals. ( Deuteronomy 16:16) Others think they were sung by the Levite singers as they ascended the fifteen steps to minister at the temple in Jerusalem.
“To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!” Psalm 123:1 I love this psalm! Verse one is a comforting reminder that is times of trouble or waiting, we are to look to the LORD, King Jesus, who is enthroned in the heavens.
This first verse puts God in his right place, sovereign ruler over all. So in praying and knowing this truth, we can wait expectantly, trusting God to act in His perfect time and way, for His glory and for our good.
Verse two reminds us are to continue to look expectantly to the LORD ( “as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of the maid servant look to the hand of their mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God.”) The illustration of master/servant and maid/mistress illustrates complete dependence upon the LORD.
Verses three and four call out to the LORD for mercy. In these verses the difficulties are contempt of the proud and the scorn of those who have ease.
One author says “We could make the mistake of thinking the psalm ends on a negative note as we have no indication the LORD has answered this prayer. But if we take that I approach I believe we have missed something very important. In effect, the writer of the psalm has bypassed the problem. He has gone over the heads of those who taunt God’s people and appealed to one far greater than the most powerful of enemies as He is: “ enthroned in the heavens” verse one.”
This psalm has been a blessing and encouragement to me as I have studied it!
A great reminder that in the midst of these difficult/uncertain times in my live and in our world during this season that I can look over (bypass) my circumstances and look to our LORD. And to remember He is on His throne and to focus on Him with great expectation, complete dependence and hope because He is sovereign over all!
-Karen Pace