God’s delivered people gratefully acknowledge that their rescue and preservation are fully attributed to His intervention.
“Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say, (v.1) introduces this Psalm as a resounding testimony to God’s deliverance. Though brief, it captures the heart of Israel’s praise: they openly acknowledge that without the LORD’s protection, their survival would not have been possible. The phrase “Had it not been the LORD” underscores their dependence on divine intervention, highlighting that their deliverance was not through military prowess or human might, but through the LORD’s faithful presence. This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the Psalm—a communal remembrance of God’s saving acts.
The land of Israel, located historically in the eastern Mediterranean region, stands at the crossroads of Africa and Asia. This positioning often made Israel vulnerable to foreign invasions, regional conflicts, and shifting alliances in the ancient world. By evoking the name “Israel,” the Psalmist invokes the collective memory of a nation chosen by God, drawn out of Egypt under Moses (around the 15th century BC), and ultimately established under David (who reigned as King of Israel from about 1010-970 BC). The biblical narrative emphasizes that in every perilous moment—even against seemingly insurmountable odds—the LORD stood with His people.
This concept resonates with the New Testament conviction that if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? The foundation laid here in Psalm 124:1 reminds all believers that God’s protection has always been, and will always be, the decisive factor in our battles. Just as Israel recounted their story of rescue, followers of Christ are to remember and proclaim God’s enduring faithfulness—even in situations that appear dire—cementing our trust in Him above all else.
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Psalms 124:1 meaning
“Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say, (v.1) introduces this Psalm as a resounding testimony to God’s deliverance. Though brief, it captures the heart of Israel’s praise: they openly acknowledge that without the LORD’s protection, their survival would not have been possible. The phrase “Had it not been the LORD” underscores their dependence on divine intervention, highlighting that their deliverance was not through military prowess or human might, but through the LORD’s faithful presence. This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the Psalm—a communal remembrance of God’s saving acts.
The land of Israel, located historically in the eastern Mediterranean region, stands at the crossroads of Africa and Asia. This positioning often made Israel vulnerable to foreign invasions, regional conflicts, and shifting alliances in the ancient world. By evoking the name “Israel,” the Psalmist invokes the collective memory of a nation chosen by God, drawn out of Egypt under Moses (around the 15th century BC), and ultimately established under David (who reigned as King of Israel from about 1010-970 BC). The biblical narrative emphasizes that in every perilous moment—even against seemingly insurmountable odds—the LORD stood with His people.
This concept resonates with the New Testament conviction that if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? The foundation laid here in Psalm 124:1 reminds all believers that God’s protection has always been, and will always be, the decisive factor in our battles. Just as Israel recounted their story of rescue, followers of Christ are to remember and proclaim God’s enduring faithfulness—even in situations that appear dire—cementing our trust in Him above all else.