Psalm Devotional
The Great Escape
Psalm 124 is the fifth in the Songs of Ascents (Ps. 120-134). The overall theme of the series is ascending to the temple mount in Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Exod. 23:14-17). Therefore, the Songs of Ascents are well suited to our praise as we ascend by the Spirit into the very presence of God in public worship (Heb. 12:22-24). Public worship is the means of distinct blessing for the believer (Heb. 10:25). The reference to David in the inscription offers no elaboration to the contents of the psalm except to emphasize that the Lord delivered Israel through David often and wonderfully as a picture of our salvation in Christ (Rom. 1:3).
Psalms 123 and 124 may constitute a pair. Psalm 123:1 is distinct from the rest of that psalm and Psalm 124:8 is likewise set apart, such that these two verses seem to function as bookends. The flow of thought through the two psalms supports the coupling: confession (123:1-2), petition (123:4-5), answer (124:1-7) and praise (124:8). In these paired psalms, we are strongly encouraged to pray with confidence and to return thanks with awe.
