Psalms 124:6
Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Original Language Analysis
בָּר֥וּךְ
Blessed
H1288
בָּר֥וּךְ
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 6
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
יְהוָ֑ה
be the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
be the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֶׁלֹּ֥א
H3808
שֶׁלֹּ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נְתָנָ֥נוּ
who hath not given
H5414
נְתָנָ֥נוּ
who hath not given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 118:13Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.Psalms 17:9From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.1 Samuel 26:20Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, God prevented enemies from completely destroying His people - a pattern of preservation despite overwhelming odds. Even when judgment came (exile), God preserved a remnant. The language of 'prey' and 'teeth' fits the predatory behavior of ancient empires that sought to devour smaller nations completely (Jeremiah 50:17).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is blessing God for what He prevented as important as blessing Him for what He provides?
- What does it mean that God 'hath not given us as prey' - does this suggest He could have?
- How does reflecting on 'close calls' deepen gratitude for divine protection?
- In what ways do believers become 'prey' to spiritual enemies, and how does God deliver?
- How does corporate testimony ('us') strengthen community awareness of God's protection?
Analysis & Commentary
The conditional section concludes with blessing: 'Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.' The word 'blessed' (Hebrew 'baruch') shifts from hypothetical destruction to actual praise. The phrase 'who hath not given us' affirms that God prevented what would have naturally occurred. The imagery 'as prey to their teeth' returns to the swallowing metaphor (v. 3), now showing it didn't happen. 'Prey' suggests helpless victims; 'teeth' emphasizes the predatory nature of enemies. The verse celebrates deliverance as accomplished fact - God DID act, enemies DIDN'T prevail. This creates the psalm's pivot from imagining disaster to celebrating rescue. Blessing God for what He prevented is as important as blessing Him for what He provided. Sometimes greatest mercies are disasters averted.