Psalms 124:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 124:6
6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Chapter Context
Psalms 124 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, prayer, worship. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-8: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 124:6
6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 118:13, 1 Samuel 26:20
- Parallel theme: Psalms 17:9