Psalms 124:1
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
it had not been the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
it had not been the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֶׁהָ֣יָה
H1961
שֶׁהָ֣יָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Psalms 56:9When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.Psalms 54:4Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.Psalms 120:1In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.Psalms 94:17Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.Psalms 121:1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.Psalms 27:1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?Psalms 125:1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.Psalms 127:1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Historical Context
This psalm likely reflects deliverance from specific historical threat - perhaps Sennacherib's siege (2 Kings 18-19), Persian period dangers, or other national crises. The Songs of Ascents collection suggests use during post-exilic pilgrimages when Jews reflected on survival through exile and restoration. The pattern of reflection on past deliverance occurs throughout Israel's history (Exodus narrative, Judges cycle, prophetic remembrance).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the psalmist frame deliverance as a hypothetical ('if it had not been') rather than direct statement?
- What does it mean that 'the LORD was on our side,' and how does this shape confidence?
- How does corporate confession ('may Israel say') strengthen community faith?
- In what ways does reflecting on past deliverance sustain faith during present trials?
- How should Christians corporately remember God's faithfulness to strengthen current trust?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm begins with a hypothetical reflection: 'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say.' The conditional 'if' invites contemplation of what would have occurred without divine intervention. The phrase 'the LORD who was on our side' establishes that deliverance stems not from Israel's strength but from God's partisan support. The Hebrew 'Yehovah she-hayah lanu' emphasizes past reality - 'the LORD who WAS for us' - reflecting on historical salvation. The call 'may Israel say' makes this confession corporate; the entire nation must acknowledge dependence on God. This opening creates suspense, establishing that God's presence made the crucial difference between survival and destruction. It models grateful reflection on past deliverance as foundation for present faith.