Overview 

Psalm 123 is a brief but powerful psalm of lament and trust, included in the collection of Songs of Ascents. It is a prayer of the psalmist, lifting their eyes to God for help in the midst of scorn and oppression from enemies. The psalmist expresses a deep longing for mercy from the Lord, recognizing that God alone is the source of deliverance in times of hardship. This psalm is set against the backdrop of the pilgrim’s journey to Jerusalem, where the faithful gather for worship, but it also resonates with the experiences of individuals facing trials and adversity. The psalm reflects the themes of submission to God’s will and trust in His mercy, even when surrounded by those who scorn and ridicule God’s people.

Theologically, Psalm 123 underscores the sovereignty of God as the ultimate source of help and refuge for His people. The psalmist’s appeal to God acknowledges that only He can provide the mercy and deliverance needed in the face of persecution. The psalm also highlights the posture of humility and dependence on God, as the psalmist describes looking to God with the same expectation as a servant looks to the hand of their master for direction and provision. This psalm teaches believers about God’s gracious mercy and His role as the one who hears the cries of His people and responds with compassion.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 123 is one of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), a collection of psalms sung by the Israelites as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms reflect the pilgrim’s emotional journey and longing for worship, often expressing themes of joy, distress, and longing for God’s presence. Psalm 123, in particular, is a psalm of lament, reflecting the experience of God’s people who are enduring scorn and oppression from those who do not fear the Lord.

The historical background of this psalm may point to a period in Israel’s history when they were subjected to mockery and persecution, possibly during the time of exile or under foreign oppression. The psalmist’s cry for mercy in the face of scorn reflects a longing for divine intervention and deliverance. Jerusalem, as the spiritual center for the Israelites, would have been the focal point of their hope, and this psalm expresses their desire for God to act on their behalf.

The literary form of Psalm 123 is characterized by a direct appeal to God, marked by vivid imagery that emphasizes the relationship between God and His people. The psalm begins by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and ends with a plea for mercy. The use of imagery such as “eyes looking to the Lord” and “the scorn of the proud” conveys both the reverence of the worshiper and the distress caused by their enemies. This poetic structure enhances the emotional weight of the psalm and serves as a powerful prayer for deliverance and mercy.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty: The psalm begins by acknowledging God’s rule over all things, with the psalmist lifting their eyes to the Lord. This reflects a recognition that God is the ultimate source of help and protection. The psalmist’s focus on God’s sovereignty emphasizes that no matter the circumstances or the oppression faced by God’s people, God is in control and able to act on their behalf.
2. Mercy and Grace: Central to the psalm is the theme of God’s mercy. The psalmist looks to God for mercy, recognizing that they cannot rely on their own strength or ability to escape from oppression. The plea for mercy reveals the believer’s dependence on God’s grace and favor, acknowledging that deliverance can only come through His unmerited kindness.
3. Humility and Dependence on God: The psalmist uses the imagery of a servant looking to their master for direction and provision. This metaphor illustrates the humility and submission required to trust God fully. Believers are called to acknowledge their dependence on God, seeking His guidance and provision with the same expectation and humility that a servant would show their master.
4. Persecution and Scorn: The psalmist expresses a deep sense of being surrounded by enemies who mock and oppress God’s people. This theme resonates with the experiences of Christians throughout history, who have faced ridicule and persecution for their faith. It serves as a reminder that God’s people are often called to endure suffering and scorn, but they can find comfort and hope in knowing that God sees their suffering and will act in due time.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis 

Verse 1: 

“I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.”

In this verse, the psalmist begins by expressing their focus and dependence on God. The act of “lifting up my eyes” symbolizes an act of worship, attention, and expectation. The psalmist looks to God, who is enthroned in heaven, recognizing God’s supreme authority and sovereignty. The phrase “enthroned in heaven” emphasizes God’s position of ultimate power, reigning over all creation. It is a declaration that, despite the challenges faced by God’s people, their hope and help are found in God alone, who is exalted above all else.

Doctrinal Insight and Application:
This verse teaches the believer to focus their attention on God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things. For Christians, it serves as a reminder to look to God as the source of help, direction, and protection in all circumstances. Just as the psalmist looks to the throne of God, Christians today are called to orient their lives toward God’s authority, trusting in His rule and relying on His provision and care. In moments of distress or uncertainty, believers are encouraged to lift their eyes to God, the one who is in control and who reigns over all things.

Cross-reference:
Psalm 11:4 – “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne.”
Hebrews 12:2 – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

Verse 2: 

“As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.”

This verse uses the imagery of a servant looking to their master for direction and provision. Just as a servant is entirely dependent on their master for guidance, sustenance, and direction, so the psalmist acknowledges that they are fully dependent on God. The reference to “the hand of their master” and “the hand of her mistress” suggests a posture of humble submission and waiting for action, as a servant would wait for their master’s command or provision. The psalmist applies this imagery to their relationship with God, recognizing that they look to God with the same expectation for mercy, deliverance, and care.

Doctrinal Insight and Application:
This verse teaches the believer about the importance of humility and dependence on God. Just as a servant relies entirely on their master for direction, the Christian must depend on God for guidance and provision in all aspects of life. The psalmist’s focus on waiting for God’s mercy calls believers to be patient, trusting that God will respond in His perfect timing. In times of hardship or persecution, believers are encouraged to look to God in full expectation of His mercy, acknowledging their need for His intervention. This attitude of dependence and humility is foundational to the Christian walk, as it acknowledges that all blessings and help come from God.

Cross-reference:
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Verse 3: 

“Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt.”

The psalmist now explicitly asks God for mercy. The repetition of “have mercy on us” conveys the urgency and depth of the psalmist’s plea, underscoring that they are in dire need of God’s compassion and intervention. The reason for this plea is the scorn and contempt the psalmist and God’s people have experienced. The phrase “we have endured no end of contempt” speaks to the ongoing nature of their suffering, where they face continuous mockery and scorn from their enemies, possibly those who reject God and ridicule His people.

Doctrinal Insight and Application:
This verse illustrates the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God’s mercy. When facing persecution or ridicule, believers are reminded to turn to God for help, acknowledging their vulnerability and asking for His mercy. The repetition of the plea emphasizes the believer’s deep sense of need and the confidence that God hears their cries. Christians today can apply this by remembering that God is merciful and gracious, quick to listen and respond to the needs of His people. Even when suffering seems unrelenting, God calls believers to bring their concerns before Him, trusting in His compassion and justice.

Cross-reference:
James 5:11 – “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Verse 4: 

“We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud.”

The psalmist concludes by describing the source of their scorn: the arrogant and the proud. These individuals, who may represent enemies or those who reject God, mock and belittle God’s people, showing no humility or fear of the Lord. The phrase “no end of ridicule” indicates the ongoing nature of this persecution, suggesting that the psalmist’s people are weary from constant scorn.

Doctrinal Insight and Application:
This verse highlights the reality of persecution and mockery that believers often face in a world that rejects God’s truth. Just as the psalmist endured ridicule for their faith, Christians today may face similar scorn for standing firm in their beliefs. This verse calls believers to remain faithful, even in the face of disdain and hostility, knowing that God sees their suffering and will bring justice in His time. The call to endure suffering with patience and trust in God’s deliverance is central to the Christian faith, as it reflects Christ’s own endurance in the face of mockery and rejection.

Cross-reference:
Matthew 5:11-12 – “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
1 Peter 4:14 – “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed; for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 123, with its themes of suffering, mercy, and divine deliverance, points toward the broader redemptive story that is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The psalmist’s plea for mercy and help in the face of scorn and oppression finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of Christ. Throughout His life, Jesus was mocked and ridiculed by the arrogant and proud, just as the psalmist describes in verse 4. The suffering that Jesus endured, especially during His trial and crucifixion, reflects the contempt that God’s people often experience in a fallen world.

However, Christ’s work goes beyond the psalmist’s call for mercy; He is the embodiment of God’s mercy and grace to humanity. In His life and sacrificial death, Jesus provides the ultimate solution to the suffering and oppression described in Psalm 123. Through His death on the cross, Jesus bore the scorn of humanity, offering mercy to those who trust in Him. He is the fulfillment of the psalmist’s cry for mercy, as Jesus offers forgiveness and deliverance from sin and death, bringing reconciliation between God and humanity. His resurrection from the dead also guarantees that those who endure suffering in this world will be raised to eternal life, free from scorn and ridicule.

This psalm points to Jesus not only as the ultimate sufferer but also as the one who intercedes on behalf of God’s people, bringing them mercy, grace, and deliverance. Christ, who endured the ultimate scorn, offers a hope of final redemption and victory for all who are oppressed and scorned in this world.

Connection to the Father

Psalm 123 reflects a deep dependence on God, who is enthroned in heaven. The psalmist’s upward gaze symbolizes a recognition of God as the sovereign ruler who has the power to deliver His people from oppression. This same relationship of dependence and trust is found in Jesus’ relationship with the Father. Jesus constantly looked to the Father for guidance, strength, and mercy. Even in His darkest moments, particularly in Gethsemane and on the cross, Jesus submitted Himself to the Father’s will, demonstrating perfect dependence and trust.

The Father’s role in the psalm is also revealed through the mercy that the psalmist seeks. Just as the psalmist pleads for God’s mercy, Jesus’ entire life and work reveal the Father’s mercy poured out for humanity. The Father’s love for His people is ultimately made manifest through the sending of His Son, Jesus, to offer mercy and grace. Jesus was the Father’s response to the need for deliverance and mercy, as He came to save those who were oppressed by sin and death. In the same way that the psalmist looks to God for mercy, believers today look to the Father through Christ for the mercy of salvation.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Psalm 123 also points toward the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. While the psalmist seeks mercy from God, Christians today can understand this as a longing for the Spirit’s work in their lives. The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers to endure suffering and oppression with hope and perseverance. The Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, works in the hearts of believers, helping them to fix their eyes on God, just as the psalmist fixed his eyes on the Lord for mercy and deliverance.

The Holy Spirit also brings comfort in times of distress, reminding believers of God’s promises and empowering them to continue in faith. In moments of trial and scorn, the Spirit intercedes for believers, bringing them peace and assurance of God’s love and care. The Spirit works to make the believer more like Christ, who is the ultimate model of submitting to God’s will and enduring suffering for the sake of God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit’s role in empowering, comforting, and guiding believers aligns with the psalmist’s plea for divine help and mercy.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 123 reveals the deep love of God for His people, as the psalmist appeals to God’s mercy in the face of ridicule and oppression. The mercy requested in the psalm highlights God’s loving kindness, which is not earned but freely given. This reflects God’s care and compassion for His people, particularly in their times of suffering. The psalmist’s recognition of God as the one who sits enthroned in heaven acknowledges God’s authority and position, but it is also a recognition that God is not distant or detached. He is a God who hears and responds to the cries of His people, offering them mercy in their time of need.

For believers today, God’s love is most clearly demonstrated through the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate act of God’s love, as He bore the scorn and ridicule that was due to humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father. Through Christ, God’s love is poured out on humanity, providing mercy, healing, and hope for the oppressed and broken. The psalmist’s longing for mercy is fulfilled in Christ, who is the embodiment of God’s mercy, love, and grace. In the ultimate act of love, God sent His Son to bring salvation, and in Him, all who trust in God’s mercy are reconciled and restored to the Father. God’s love is seen in His willingness to deliver His people from both physical and spiritual oppression, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “Looking to God for Mercy in Times of Scorn”

Introduction:

• Begin by discussing how everyone, at some point, experiences rejection, mockery, or persecution. People are often ridiculed for their beliefs, values, and commitments. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged in such situations.
• Share a personal story or a modern example (such as a story of someone facing criticism for their faith or values in the workplace or school) to illustrate the power of scorn and how it affects people.
• Introduce Psalm 123: a psalm of trust and dependence on God in the midst of suffering and ridicule. In this psalm, the psalmist teaches us how to look to God for mercy and deliverance when facing disdain from the world.
• State the main theme: In moments of scorn, we are called to look to God with humility and depend on His mercy.

Main Points:

1. Lifting Our Eyes to God in Times of Trouble (Psalm 123:1)
   • The psalmist begins by looking to God, who is seated on the throne in heaven. This symbolizes dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority.
   • Transition: In our lives, we often face circumstances that tempt us to look inward or outward for solutions—whether that’s seeking revenge or trying to change things on our own. Psalm 123 teaches us to look up, fixing our eyes on God, the only true source of help and deliverance.
   • Application: Encourage the congregation to reflect on their own struggles and challenges. Are they turning to God first in moments of hardship, or do they look to worldly solutions? Challenge them to consciously lift their eyes to God, trusting in His power and sovereignty.
2. A Heart of Dependence: Waiting on God’s Mercy (Psalm 123:2)
   • The psalmist uses the analogy of a servant looking to their master for direction, symbolizing a posture of humility, waiting, and dependence. Just as a servant looks to their master’s hand for guidance, we are called to look to God with the same expectation for His mercy.
   • Transition: As believers, we are not meant to act out of our own strength or wisdom but to wait on God, trusting that He will provide the direction and deliverance we need.
   • Application: Challenge the congregation to examine their dependence on God. Are they self-reliant or do they truly trust in God’s mercy and timing? Invite them to reflect on areas of their lives where they need to practice waiting on God with patience, recognizing that His timing is always perfect.
3. Crying Out for Mercy in the Face of Ridicule (Psalm 123:3-4)
   • The psalmist acknowledges the scorn and ridicule that they have endured. This verse reflects the reality of persecution for those who follow God—mockery from the proud and arrogant.
   • Transition: We live in a world where standing firm in our faith can lead to rejection, but the psalmist teaches us that it is in these moments that we can cry out to God for mercy. God sees our suffering, and He is faithful to deliver.
   • Application: Encourage believers to persevere in the face of ridicule. It is easy to grow weary and discouraged when we face rejection or scorn, but God promises to hear the cries of His people. Invite the congregation to commit to trusting God’s mercy and to pray for those who are experiencing persecution or scorn for their faith.

Conclusion:

• Recap the three main points: 1) Look to God for help, 2) Depend on God’s mercy, 3) Cry out for mercy in the face of scorn.
• Call to Action: Encourage the congregation to reflect on their own experiences of hardship, persecution, or scorn. Challenge them to lift their eyes to God, trusting that He is the ultimate source of help and mercy. Pray with the congregation for strength, patience, and deliverance as they depend on God in all circumstances.
• Close with a prayer asking God to give His people the strength to look to Him in times of trial, to wait on His mercy, and to persevere in the face of ridicule.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern-Day Illustration of Dependence on God:
   • Imagine a person who has been wronged at work or at school, facing ridicule for their Christian values. Instead of retaliating or seeking revenge, this individual chooses to pray for their enemies, trusting in God’s justice. Like the psalmist, they look to God for mercy and strength, waiting on Him to provide a way forward. This choice reflects the heart of Psalm 123, where the believer’s dependence on God leads them to seek mercy rather than resorting to their own strength.
   • Example for application: Christians today are called to respond to mockery and persecution with prayer, humility, and trust in God’s timing, just as the psalmist did.
2. Personal Story of Enduring Ridicule for Faith:
   • Share a story (either personal or from a well-known individual) of someone enduring ridicule for their faith but choosing to respond with patience and trust in God. For example, a Christian student who is mocked for their beliefs but chooses to continue being a witness for Christ with love and humility.
   • Example for application: This story serves as a powerful reminder that, while the world may mock or ridicule believers, they can look to God for strength and mercy. God will honor their faith and perseverance.
3. Analogy of Waiting on a Master:
   • Use the analogy of a servant waiting on their master’s hand for direction. This servant’s life is dependent on the master’s will, and they act only when given instruction. In the same way, Christians are to look to God with the same patient expectation, trusting that God will give direction when it’s needed.
   • Example for application: This analogy helps Christians understand their dependence on God for guidance. They are to wait on Him, trusting in His timing and mercy, and not act out of frustration or self-reliance.

Application for Today’s Christian

1. Discipleship:
   • Psalm 123 encourages believers to develop a deep sense of dependence on God, which is central to the life of discipleship. Christians are called to surrender their own wisdom and strength and instead look to God for mercy and guidance. Discipleship involves cultivating patience, humility, and trust in God’s ability to deliver.
   • Practical steps: Encourage the congregation to spend more time in prayer, seeking God’s mercy and guidance in their lives. They can begin by taking a few moments each day to lift their eyes to God, trusting that He will provide direction.
2. Stewardship:
   • Christians are stewards of God’s grace and mercy, and Psalm 123 reminds them to depend on God for everything. In terms of stewardship, this means recognizing that all they have—time, resources, and strength—comes from God. They must wait on His direction and trust that He will provide for their needs.
   • Practical steps: Encourage the congregation to steward their time and resources with a mindset of dependence on God. They should use their gifts in ways that reflect God’s mercy, serving others with humility and seeking His guidance in their daily decisions.
3. Living Out Faith:
   • Psalm 123 challenges Christians to live out their faith by looking to God in times of trial. As the world ridicules or rejects their beliefs, they can remain steadfast by trusting in God’s mercy and responding with grace. This is part of living out faith with integrity, even when faced with opposition.
   • Practical steps: Encourage the congregation to actively pray for those who are being persecuted or ridiculed for their faith. They can also make a conscious effort to share God’s mercy with others, extending grace and forgiveness in their relationships, even when they are wronged.

Reflection Questions

1. When you face mockery or scorn for your beliefs, what is your immediate response? Do you find it easy to turn to God for mercy, or do you struggle with anger, frustration, or a desire for revenge? How does Psalm 123 challenge you to depend on God in those moments?
2. The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God’s mercy in the face of suffering. Reflect on areas in your life where you need God’s mercy and grace. How can you cultivate a greater sense of humility and dependence on Him, trusting that He will show mercy at the right time?
3. Like a servant waiting for their master’s direction, the psalmist models an attitude of humble expectation. How can you apply this posture of waiting and trusting God’s timing in your life? Are there areas where you are struggling with impatience or trying to take matters into your own hands?
4. Psalm 123 is not just a personal prayer for mercy, but a communal call to seek God’s help in times of persecution. How can you pray for those who are facing ridicule or injustice for their faith? How can you support others who are going through similar struggles?
5. As Christians, we are called to both receive and extend mercy. How can you show mercy to those around you, especially those who may mock or criticize your faith? What opportunities can you look for to extend God’s grace to others, whether in your workplace, school, or community?