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Psalms Chapter 124 (JPS)

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Psalms 124
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1 A Song of Ascents; of David. 'If it had not been HaShem who was for us', let Israel now say;

2 'If it had not been HaShem who was for us, when men rose up against us,

3 Then they had swallowed us up alive, when their wrath was kindled against us;

4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul;

5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.'

6 Blessed be HaShem, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

8 Our help is in the name of HaShem, who made heaven and earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalm 124 about?
It's a psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance, repeatedly asking "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side" while enemies rose up against Israel (vv.1-2).
What image does the psalm use for the escape in verse 7?
V.7 says, "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped," picturing a narrow escape from a trap.
How does the psalm conclude?
V.8 concludes, "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Compare Romans 8:31.

Today's Verse

The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts.

Psalms 119:69 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

The psalm ends on a vivid image of relief, comparing the escaped soul to "a bird out of the snare of the fowlers," with the snare broken and the people set free. Continue the pattern of trust from Psalms 123, or move ahead to Psalms 125 and its picture of Zion's unshakable security.