Read Psalms 124 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 124 is a testimony of deliverance, calling God’s people to confess that survival was not their own doing: “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side.” The psalm looks back on overwhelming danger—like a flood, like a beast ready to swallow—showing how quickly the righteous could have been destroyed if God had not intervened. It teaches that enemies and circumstances may be stronger than us, but they are not stronger than the LORD who rules over them. The chapter also reminds believers to read their history honestly: not as self-congratulation, but as humble gratitude for rescue. Its aim is to strengthen faith by anchoring confidence in God’s faithful help, the One who breaks traps and sets His people free.
Psalms 124:1 - 124:8
1 A Song of degrees of David. If [it had not been] the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;
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:
4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6 Blessed [be] the Lord, who hath not given us [as] a prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8 Our help [is] in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.