Psalms 123

A song of ascents asking God for mercy amid scorn.

Psalms 123 - Eyes Lifted to the Lord

Psalm 123 is a short song of ascents in which the psalmist lifts his eyes to God "that dwellest in the heavens," comparing Israel's watchfulness to a servant's eyes fixed on a master's hand. It pairs naturally with the upward gaze of Psalms 121:1, another ascents psalm that opens by looking to the hills and to the Lord.


A Song of Ascents. Unto Thee I lift up mine eyes, O Thou that art enthroned in the heavens.

Behold, as the eyes of servants unto the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes look unto HaShem our G-d, until He be gracious unto us.

Be gracious unto us, O HaShem, be gracious unto us; for we are full sated with contempt.

Our soul is full sated with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud oppressors.

The chapter closes with a doubled plea, "have mercy upon us," as the psalmist admits Israel is "exceedingly filled with contempt" from those at ease. Explore the surrounding songs of ascent on the <a href="/bible/jps/psalms">Psalms overview</a>, or read on to <a href="/bible/jps/psalms/chapter-124">Psalms 124</a>, where the tone shifts to thanksgiving for rescue.