Psalms 123:2

“Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.”

Context:The book of Psalms is a collection of poetic and lyrical expressions of worship and praise to God. It contains a wide range of emotions, from joy and gratitude to lament and supplication. Psalm 123 is one of the Psalms of Ascent, which were likely sung by the Israelites as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. This particular psalm focuses on the posture of humility and dependence on God.

Imagery of Servants:The psalmist uses vivid imagery to convey the attitude of humility and dependency. Just as the eyes of servants are fixed on the hand of their masters, eagerly awaiting their commands or gestures, so are the eyes of the psalmist fixed upon the Lord. The servant’s gaze is a sign of obedience, attentiveness, and readiness to serve.

Humble Posture:By comparing themselves to servants, the psalmist acknowledges their lowly position in relation to God. They recognize their need for guidance, direction, and mercy from the Lord. The psalmist humbly acknowledges their reliance on God’s intervention and mercy in their lives.

Waiting upon the Lord:The psalmist expresses a posture of waiting upon the Lord. This waiting is not passive but active. It implies an attitude of trust, anticipation, and patient expectation for God’s intervention and mercy. It signifies a complete surrender of their circumstances into the hands of God, knowing that He alone has the power and ability to bring about the desired outcome.

Trusting in God’s Mercy:The psalmist affirms their unwavering trust in the Lord’s mercy. They believe that God’s mercy is the source of their hope and deliverance. They rely on His compassion, grace, and loving-kindness to be extended towards them in their time of need.

Application:Psalm 123:2 teaches us the importance of cultivating a humble and dependent posture before God. It reminds us to fix our gaze on the Lord, seeking His guidance, mercy, and intervention in our lives. It encourages us to wait upon Him with trust and patience, knowing that He is faithful and compassionate.

• In summary: Psalm 123:2 portrays the psalmist’s humble posture of waiting upon the Lord, acknowledging their dependency on Him and eagerly seeking His mercy. It serves as a reminder for us to cultivate a similar attitude of humility and trust as we look to God for guidance, provision, and deliverance in our lives.