Psa 123:1

SUPERSCRIPTION: “A SONG OF ASCENTS”: Or “degrees” (AV).

PSS 123-125: Israel in the Land faces the Assyrian siege.

(HEZEKIAH) The waves of Assyrian aggression have reached their zenith; Judah lies smoldering and desolate, and the expeditionary force moves within range of Jerusalem’s walls. At their head rides Rabshakeh, the chief officer of King Sennacherib. His blasphemous speech is a classic of intrigue and insult (Isa 36:4; 2Ki 18:19-35). Hezekiah unerringly strikes the proper chord of faith. Entering the house of the Lord in sackcloth, he laments: “This is a day of… blasphemy” (Isa 37:1,3). The profane Rabshakeh has not just threatened a city — he has rashly reproached the living God! Will not God now reprove the words He has heard? Will He not take action against the one who has rashly lifted up his eyes against the God of Israel (2Ki 19:22; ct Psa 123:1,2)?

(NT) The LD deliverance of Israel, overrun by enemies, will come only when there is repentance in Israel (Psa 81:13,14; Lev 26:40-42; Deu 30:1-3; 1Ki 8:44-53; Jer 4:1,2,14-18; Act 3:19,20). Also see Eze 35:5,10,12; Rev 11:10; Mal 4:5,6.

Psa 123:2

The loyal slave’s attitude of watchfulness toward his/her master (Pro 27:18). (A wonderful example is the nameless maiden of Naaman’s wife: 2Ki 5:2,3.) Sitting quietly but observantly, the servant is ready to respond immediately at the slightest hand or eye movement of the master or mistress. To do otherwise, to be lazy or inattentive, is to court disfavor or punishment, perhaps even death. But to fulfill the slave’s duty is to win honor and promotion (Pro 27:18).

The servant also looks to the master for help in time of distress (vv 3,4; Psa 33:20; 25:15; 69:3; 130:5,6).

Psa 123:3

CONTEMPT: The scorn of Rabshakeh (Isa 36:13-20).