Useful Bible Studies > Songs of Ascent Commentary
Last part: A lesson from Psalm 124
· Here is a poem that explains each verse and each word picture in Psalm 124. First, compare it with the translation in your Bible. This will help you to understand the parts of Psalm 124 that may seem difficult. Then use the poem again when you pray. Perhaps you have had experiences like those that the author of Psalm 124 had. Then you will be able to make the poem into your own prayer to God.
A song for the journey to Jerusalem. By David.
[1] “Our situation would be terrible if God was not on our side.”
(The people in Israel should sing this song.)
[2] Our situation would be terrible if God was not on our side.
Our enemies attacked us.
[3] They were very angry with us.
They were acting like the cruellest wild animals, which swallow their food alive.
And we certainly could not have escaped.
[4] We would have died, like people who drown in a flood.
The water becomes their grave.
[5] Or flowing water takes their bodies away.
Like them, we certainly could not have escaped.
[6] Praise God!
Wild animals break apart their food with their teeth.
Our enemies wanted to deal with us in a similar manner.
But God did not allow them to do such a thing.
[7] We have escaped from our enemies.
We are like a bird that escapes from a net.
Or, we are like a bird that escapes from a hunter’s net.
The trap is broken!
We have escaped!
[8] God himself is our helper.
Yes! Our helper is the maker of heaven and earth.
Next part: Psalm 124: Something to do
See the word list for explanation of words with a *
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© 2015, Keith Simons.