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Psalms Chapter 123 (JPS)

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Psalms 123
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1 A Song of Ascents. Unto Thee I lift up mine eyes, O Thou that art enthroned in the heavens.

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants unto the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes look unto HaShem our G-d, until He be gracious unto us.

3 Be gracious unto us, O HaShem, be gracious unto us; for we are full sated with contempt.

4 Our soul is full sated with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud oppressors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tone of Psalm 123?
It's a short prayer of humble dependence, comparing the psalmist's eyes waiting on God to how "the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters" (v.2), asking for mercy amid contempt.
What kind of contempt is described in the psalm?
Verses 3-4 describe being "exceedingly filled with contempt" and "the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud."
Where does the psalmist say God dwells?
V.1 says, "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens."

Today's Verse

For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 31:29 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

The chapter closes with a doubled plea, "have mercy upon us," as the psalmist admits Israel is "exceedingly filled with contempt" from those at ease. Explore the surrounding songs of ascent on the Psalms overview, or read on to Psalms 124, where the tone shifts to thanksgiving for rescue.