Psalm 124:1-8
If the LORD Had Not Been
Read the passage
1A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel now declare—
2if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,
3when their anger flared against us, then they would have swallowed us alive,
4then the floods would have engulfed us, then the torrent would have overwhelmed us,
5then the raging waters would have swept us away.
6Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
7We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away.
8Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The community repeats the question: what if the LORD had not been on our side? Enemies would have swallowed them alive, waters would have swept over them, and a torrent would have passed over their souls. The disaster is imagined as total because survival depends on God's intervention.
Their soul has escaped like a bird from a fowler's snare; the snare is broken, and they have escaped. The help is named plainly: it comes from the Maker of heaven and earth.
Questions
1 What would have happened without the LORD?
AnswerEnemies would have swallowed the people, and waters would have swept them away.
2 How is escape pictured?
AnswerIt is pictured as a bird escaping after a fowler's snare breaks.
3 What has been broken?
AnswerThe snare that held the people has been broken.
4 Where does help come from?
AnswerHelp comes from the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth.
What This Means for Us
David asks Israel to remember what would have happened without the LORD. When we recall help we could not have supplied for ourselves, we have a reason to thank Him. Tell the story truthfully, including the danger and the help that came.
Someone who has escaped violence may still carry fear long afterward. Listen without demanding a quick recovery. We can thank God for a broken snare and continue asking Him to help the person who has come through it.
Prayer
LORD, our Maker and Helper, thank You for rescues we could not have brought about ourselves. Care for those who have escaped violence and still live with its effects. Help us remember Your mercy and give patient support as they recover. Amen.