Psalm 123 – 23rd July 2021
Observation
What does it say?
- 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.)
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
- What do you think it means to "lift up your eyes" to the Lord?
- 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?
- 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.?)
APPLICATION
How should it change us?
- During the journey to Jerusalem, the people sang this song for more than just a safe journey.
- How can Christians today learn from this prayer?
- Are there things that you are lamenting? What about others in the church?
- 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.
- How can we follow Jesus faithfully among these things?
- How can we encourage, exhort, or correct other Christians who are living pridefully or living at ease?
Print Bible Study
Psalm 123 – 23rd July 2021
Observation
What does it say?
- 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.)
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
- What do you think it means to "lift up your eyes" to the Lord?
- 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?
- 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.?)
APPLICATION
How should it change us?
- During the journey to Jerusalem, the people sang this song for more than just a safe journey.
- How can Christians today learn from this prayer?
- Are there things that you are lamenting? What about others in the church?
- 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.
- How can we follow Jesus faithfully among these things?
- How can we encourage, exhort, or correct other Christians who are living pridefully or living at ease?