Psalm 123 – 23rd July 2021

Read Psalm 123
What moods or emotions does the psalmist express?
Do you see any similarities between this Psalm and the previous Psalms of Ascent? (Psalm 120, 121, 122)
Which words are repeated?
What connecting words do you see? (therefore, yet, however, likewise, so then, because, for, etc.)

What do you think it means to "lift up your eyes" to the Lord?
1. How do the illustrations of a servant and maidservant help our understanding?
What do the words "us" and "we" show us about this Psalm?
Why do the people ask for mercy from the Lord?
1. Why might the people need relief from "those who are at ease" or from "the proud"?
Is there anything in this passage that points to or foreshadows truths of the gospel? (Remember there might be many answers to this question: does it mirror Jesus in any way? Anything pointing to sin, judgment, salvation, God's love, etc.?)

During the journey to Jerusalem, the people sang this song for more than just a safe journey.
1. How can Christians today learn from this prayer?
2. Are there things that you are lamenting? What about others in the church?
3. What does it look like to "look to the Lord" for these things?
The culture we live in (and even others in the church) might be proud or living at ease.
1. How can we follow Jesus faithfully among these things?
2. How can we encourage, exhort, or correct other Christians who are living pridefully or living at ease?

Read Psalm 123
What moods or emotions does the psalmist express?
Do you see any similarities between this Psalm and the previous Psalms of Ascent? (Psalm 120, 121, 122)
Which words are repeated?
What connecting words do you see? (therefore, yet, however, likewise, so then, because, for, etc.)

What do you think it means to "lift up your eyes" to the Lord?
1. How do the illustrations of a servant and maidservant help our understanding?
What do the words "us" and "we" show us about this Psalm?
Why do the people ask for mercy from the Lord?
1. Why might the people need relief from "those who are at ease" or from "the proud"?
Is there anything in this passage that points to or foreshadows truths of the gospel? (Remember there might be many answers to this question: does it mirror Jesus in any way? Anything pointing to sin, judgment, salvation, God's love, etc.?)

During the journey to Jerusalem, the people sang this song for more than just a safe journey.
1. How can Christians today learn from this prayer?
2. Are there things that you are lamenting? What about others in the church?
3. What does it look like to "look to the Lord" for these things?
The culture we live in (and even others in the church) might be proud or living at ease.
1. How can we follow Jesus faithfully among these things?
2. How can we encourage, exhort, or correct other Christians who are living pridefully or living at ease?