Psalm 123:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 123:1-4

We have here, I. The solemn profession which God's people make of faith and hope in God, Ps. 123:1, 2. Observe, 1. The title here given to God: O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Our Lord Jesus has taught us, in prayer, to have an eye to God as our Father in heaven; not that he is confined there, but there especially he manifests his glory, as the King in his court. Heaven is a place of prospect and a place of power; he that dwells there beholds thence all the calamities of his people and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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 ,.... To direct them in their work and business, to point out unto them what they shall do; which is often done by a motion of the hand of the master or mistress, or rap of their fingers without speaking F5 Vid. Pignorium de Servis, p. 136. "Digiti crepantis signa novit eunuchus", Martial. l. 2. 82. , which the servant observes: or to help and assist them... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 123:2

As the eyes of servants - We now wait for thy commands, feeling the utmost readiness to obey them when made known to us. The words may be understood as the language of dependence also. As slaves expect their support from their masters and mistresses, so do we ours from thee, O Lord! Or, As servants look to their masters and mistresses, to see how they do their work, that they may do it in the same way; so do we, O Lord, that we may learn of thee, and do thy work in thy own Spirit, and after... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 123:2

Verse 2 2.Behold as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters. This similitude is very suitable to the present case. It implies that without the protection of God true believers have no comfort, are completely disarmed and exposed to all manner of wrongs, have neither strength nor courage to resist; in short, that their safety depends entirely upon aid derived from another. We know how shamefully servants were treated in ancient times, and what reproaches might be cast upon them,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 123:1-4

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes. These psalms are called "Songs of Degrees." For some thought that they were sung on the steps that led from one court to another in the temple of the Lord, and so they were called the songs of degrees, or steps. But though this explanation has been long abandoned, nevertheless, in these psalms, thus far, there has been an ascent as from step to step. See the sadness of the first of them ( Psalms 120:1-7 .). That rises to trust in the blessed keeping of God.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 123:1-4

The ultimate Refuge. "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes," etc. "This psalm," says J. J. S. Perowne, "is either the sigh of the exile towards the close of the Captivity, looking in faith and patience for the deliverance which he hoped was now at hand; or the sigh of those who, having returned, were still exposed to the scorn and contempt of the Samaritans and others who harassed and insulted the Jews." God was their Refuge from such men, as he is the ultimate Refuge from all the ills and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters. Watch, i . e ; for the slightest sign that he may give of his will. Such signs were usually given by some movement of the "hand." And as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress. Masters were waited on by male slaves; their wives by handmaids—both equally anxious to do their will, and therefore equally watchful of all the signs that indicated it. So our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 123:2

Watching for Divine favor and direction. In the East orders are rarely given to an attendant in words, but commonly by signs. These are often so slight as to escape notice unless the eyes of the servants are kept fixed on the master or mistress. When waiting upon his master, the servant stands upon the farthest edge of the raised platform, having left his shoes at the door; his hands are folded, and rest upon the center of his girdle; and he watches closely every movement of his master,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters ... - Or, are to the hands of their masters; or, regard the hands of their masters. That is, we look to God with the same spirit of deference, dependence, and readiness to mark the will of God, which is evinced by servants in regard to their masters, and by maidens in regard to the will of a mistress. There has been some difference of view in regard to the meaning of this comparison. Some have supposed that the allusion is to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 123:1-2

Psalms 123:1-2. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes Though all human help fail us in this sore distress, yet I do not despair of relief from thee; O thou that dwellest in the heavens Whose majesty and power incomparably excel those of all earthly monarchs. Behold, as the eyes of servants, &c. “Behold how not only I, but the rest of thy faithful people wait upon thee, submitting ourselves to this severe punishment, as poor slaves do to the stroke of their offended master or mistress, and... read more

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