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.
Original Language Analysis
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
Behold as the eyes
H5869
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
Behold as the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יַ֪ד
look unto the hand
H3027
יַ֪ד
look unto the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲֽדוֹנֵיהֶ֗ם
of their masters
H113
אֲֽדוֹנֵיהֶ֗ם
of their masters
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
6 of 18
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
Behold as the eyes
H5869
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
Behold as the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יַ֪ד
look unto the hand
H3027
יַ֪ד
look unto the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
Behold as the eyes
H5869
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
Behold as the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
13 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֣ה
wait upon the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
wait upon the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 25:15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.Genesis 49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;Genesis 32:26And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Historical Context
In ancient household structures, servants' welfare depended entirely on masters' disposition. Attentive service resulted in provision; neglect brought punishment. The comparison would resonate powerfully in a culture familiar with master-servant dynamics. The emphasis on 'hand' reflects how non-verbal communication directed servant activity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the servant-master relationship illuminate the believer's relationship with God?
- What does it mean to watch God's 'hand' for direction and provision?
- Why is waiting 'until' God shows mercy important rather than demanding immediate response?
- How does modern emphasis on autonomy conflict with this posture of dependence?
- In what ways can believers cultivate attentive watching of God's direction?
Analysis & Commentary
A simile illustrates dependent watching: '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.' The double comparison (male servants, female maidens) emphasizes universality - all who depend on masters exhibit this attentive watching. Servants watch the master's hand for signals, commands, provision, and protection. The hand symbolizes power, action, and provision. This watching is active, not passive - alert readiness to respond to divine direction. The phrase 'until that he have mercy' reveals the specific need: divine compassion and intervention. Waiting 'upon' the LORD combines expectation with submission. The comparison to servants might seem demeaning in modern contexts, but it accurately depicts human dependence on God - we are creatures serving Creator, subjects before Sovereign. Dignity comes not from autonomy but from relationship with the Master.