Psalm 123 and 121 are songs of ascents. One meaning of ascent is “a movement or return toward a source or beginning.” In these psalms David is asking his God, who is in heaven, to have mercy on him and to help him. David is moving toward the Great God of Heaven – Yahweh Elohim. He is returning to his God, his master. Like David, we should return to Yahweh as our master. As our master he can do anything he wants because he holds our very lives in his hands. This is why we can cry out to him, letting him know just who he is to us.
To learn more about this series, read “3 Reasons to Pray the Scriptures.”
Have Mercy
I raise my eyes to you Yahweh, whose throne is in heaven.
As a servant looks to the hand of his master, or a slave-girl to the hand of her mistress, so my eyes turn to you, Yahweh, my God, until you have mercy on me.
Have mercy on me, Yahweh.
Have mercy; for I have had my fill of contempt, more than my fill of scorn from the complacent and contempt from the arrogant.
If I raise my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come?
My help comes from you Yahweh, the maker of heaven and earth.
Yahweh, you do not let my foot slip. My guardian is not asleep. No, the guardian of Israel never slumbers or sleeps. Yahweh, you are my guardian.
At your right hand Yahweh, you provide me with shade. The sun can’t strike me during the day or even the moon at night.
Yahweh, you guard me against all harm. You guard my life.
Yahweh, you guard my coming and going from now on and forever.
Halleluyah!
Scripture Reference
Psalms 123, 121