Psalm 124:1

Translations

Modern

A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel now declare—

Traditional

A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;

Literal

A Song of the Ascents. Of David. If YHWH had not been for us—now let Israel say—

Latin

Canticum graduum. Nisi quia Dominus erat in nobis, dicat nunc Israël,

Original

Hebrew

English

A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel now declare—

Notes

Psalms 124:1–2

The negative rhetorical questions emphasize the positive idea that the Lord was indeed on their side.

Psalms 124:1–8

This thanksgiving song describes what might happen if the Lord were not present with his people.

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Theme notes and profiles

David Praise Psalms

Related verses

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Psalm 56:9
Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.
Psalm 54:4
Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
Psalm 120:1
A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.
Hebrews 13:5–6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Psalm 118:6–7
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 94:17
Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.
Isaiah 8:9–10
Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!
Psalm 125:1
A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.
Psalm 121:1
A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
Psalm 46:7
The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Degrees, Song of Hallel Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees

Topics

God: Preserver Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Psalms: Thanksgiving

Psalm 124:1

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