Psalm 120 and Psalm 123

Introduction

As we journey through another installment of “A Walk Through the Psalms”, the devotional today will focus on Psalm 120 and Psalm 123 because while these two Psalms do not precisely go together, they do lean into one another. Psalm 120 focuses on “the outsider” and their relationship with God. Whether it is the person who is on the outside or whether you’ve felt as if you were (or are) and outsider. I’ve felt this way many times throughout my life. Psalm 123 focuses on God’s mercy. It seems fitting that the outsider who is wounded, weary, or misunderstood would naturally look for God’s mercy.

General information

These two Psalms are part of a series of 15 Psalms with the title of Song of the Ascents. The reason for this collection and arrangement is not exactly known, but some have said it was given to them because of their focus on steps or ascents. The best explanation is that these Psalms were given that title because they were the songs the people of God sang on their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the appointed feast days of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The trip was not only a harsh physical journey when you consider the ancient mode of travel, but it was also a spiritual ascent toward God.

Authorship the Song of Ascent psalms is not precisely known. The authors were probably a collection of different people. Some have said they were penned by David, Zechariah, Solomon, Ezra, Haggai, and Malachi. But, there is no positive evidence linking them to these particular psalms.

Both Psalms are quite short. One is seven verses and one is only four verses. Imagining the Israelites on their journey to Jerusalem, I can picture them singing these psalms as a chorus, repeating them again and again.

Prayer is a conversation with God and it’s in my mind and heart when I pray… but saying scripture out loud can be so comforting almost like speaking to an old friend over the phone or in person.

Key themes of Psalm 120

• Distress that drives prayer. (v1) There is a raw honesty and a humbleness in the believer when there’s nowhere else to turn. I’ve been there numerous times throughout my life. It’s not a fun place to be, but God always gives me a sense of peace… that peace that surpasses all understanding to carry me through whatever crisis I’m facing.
• The pain of lies, false accusations, and hostile speech. (v2-3) Just this morning, I was in an online prayer room with Pastor Jack Hibbs where he talked about this very thing. The scripture for today’s prayer was from Proverbs, and it called to mind a time when vicious lies caused untold pain for me and I only had the Lord to see me through. And He did.
• Living among people who love conflict. (v5) While this verse refers to warlike peoples and makes the author feel surrounded by hostility, it can also be applied to family members who constantly love to argue and cause conflict. It can be draining. And yet, even then, the Lord remains our refuge.
• A longing for peace in a violent environment. (v7) It’s the heart of the person who longs for peace in the middle of chaos. That’s our desire. Peace. I’ve found the only way to find that peace is through prayer and reading the word. Nothing else satisfies the soul the way His presence does.

The overall theme is the believer calling out to God for deliverance from deceit, hostility, and a world that wars against peace.

Key themes of Psalm 123

• Fixing our eyes upon the Lord. (v1) We must acknowledge God first and foremost, for He is sovereign. Staying focused on Him gives us that peace that surpasses all understanding.
• Dependence on God like a servant depends on a master. (v2) This gives us insight as to what our posture before the Lord should be: humbleness, obedience, and expectancy. It reminds us to wait on Him rather than rush ahead of Him.
• A cry for mercy in the face of contempt. (v3-4) When those around us have been contemptuous and are scornful of us, it can be overwhelming. But God sees all and He will fight our battles. I’ve seen it. Have you?

Overall theme is a humble plea for God’s mercy amid ridicule and arrogance from others.

Conclusion

Only God can help us when colleagues, friends, or family, attack us. It doesn’t matter the reason, but the outcome is the same… when we put our trust in Him, God will prevail, defend us, and give us peace.

Have you put your trust in Him today?