Psalms 124:1-8
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
REFLECTIONS. This psalm was written after a victory, when the nine nations had plotted to destroy Zion, and to extinguish the light of Israel. Poor deluded nations; little did you know the power of him that dwelleth in Zion, and little do the wicked now consider that the gates of hell shall not prevail against his church. See Psalms 83.
This conspiracy of the nations was to swallow up Israel as in a pit, to ravage the country as a flood, or as the breaking in of the sea upon the level plains. So, oh my soul, when the enemy comes in as a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Get into David's spirit, and thou shalt have David's victory.
The character of this conspiracy was as a snare set for the feet of the Israelites. Yes; but God is higher than kings, stronger than men, and wiser than demons. The christian has every reason to give praise to God. It is not to nature, but to grace he owes his safety. Except the Lord had been on his side, he had fallen.
We should trust the Lord for the future, and say, Our help be in the name of the Lord. With these words the French protestants begin their service; and with them we should begin every work. Truly the church may raise ten thousand trophies to God; and this psalm is a trophy to him more durable than all the arches and pillars of pagan kings.