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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 124, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Song of degrees of David.] If {it had not been} the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
Psalms 124:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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:
Psalms 124:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
Psalms 124:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
Psalms 124:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Blessed {be} the LORD, who hath not given us {as} a prey to their teeth.
Psalms 124:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Psalms 124:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Our help {is} in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalms 124:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.