Psalm 123:3 ESV

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 123:1-4

Psalms 120-124 To Jerusalem for worshipEach of the fifteen Psalms 120:0 to 134 is entitled ‘A Song of Ascents’ (RSV; NIV). These psalms were apparently sung by worshippers from the country areas as they made the journey up to Jerusalem for the various annual festivals.Whether or not the psalms were written for this purpose, they have been arranged in a sequence that reflects the feelings of the travellers. They provide expressions of worship for the travellers as they set out from distant... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 123:3

contempt = the mockery. Compare Psalms 119:22 , referring to Rab-shakeh. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 123:3

3. contempt—was that of the heathen, and, perhaps, Samaritans (Nehemiah 1:3; Nehemiah 2:19). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 123:1-4

Psalms 123The composer of this psalm voiced dependence on the Lord and petitioned Him for grace, since Israel’s enemies ridiculed her for her trust in Yahweh. It is a combination of individual and community lament. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 123:3-4

2. Desire for grace 123:3-4The Israelites needed more grace because their pagan neighbors, who were leading comfortable lives, were ridiculing them for their trust in Yahweh.It is appropriate to request additional divine enablement to bear the criticism and mocking of unbelievers who ridicule faith in God. However, we should maintain a realistic attitude of dependence on God as we petition Him and wait for Him to grant our request. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 123:1-4

The Psalmist looks up steadfastly to God, and expresses his confidence in Him.4. The scorning of those, etc.] the mocking of them that are at ease—heathen oppressors living in careless security. The circumstances are similar to those in Psalms 120. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 123:3

(3) Exceedingly filled.—Or, sated more than enough. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 123:1-4

Psalms 123:1-4A SIGH and an upward gaze and a sigh! No period is more appropriate, as that of this psalm, than the early days after the return from exile, when the little community, which had come back with high hopes, found themselves a laughingstock to their comfortable and malicious neighbours. The contrast of tone with the joy of the preceding psalm is very striking. After the heights of devout gladness have been reached, it is still needful to come down to stern realities of struggle, and... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 123:1-4

Psalm 120-134 The Psalms of Degrees Fifteen brief Psalms follow, called songs of degrees, or, ascents. They were in all probability used by Israel going up to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate the feasts of the Lord--”Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, a testimony for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.” They are indeed Psalms of “the goings-up” for we rise higher and higher as we read through them. Prophetically they give us again the steps from trial and... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 123:3

123:3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are {b} exceedingly filled with contempt.(b) He declares that when the faithful are so full that they cannot endure the oppression and scorning of the wicked any more, there is always help above, if with hungry desires they call for it. read more