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.


Cántico gradual. A TI que habitas en los cielos, alcé mis ojos.

He aquí como los ojos de los siervos miran á la mano de sus señores, y como los ojos de la sierva á la mano de su señora; así nuestros ojos miran á Jehová nuestro Dios, hasta que haya misericordia de nosotros.

Ten misericordia de nosotros, oh Jehová, ten misericordia de nosotros; porque estamos muy hartos de menosprecio.

Muy harta está nuestra alma del escarnio de los holgados, y del menosprecio de los soberbios.

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/sparv/psalms">Psalms overview</a>, or read on to <a href="/bible/sparv/psalms/chapter-124">Psalms 124</a>, where the tone shifts to thanksgiving for rescue.