Psalms 123:2
Psalms 123:2 in Multiple Translations
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid unto the hand of her mistress; So our eyes look unto Jehovah our God, Until he have mercy upon us.
See! as the eyes of servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of a servant-girl to her owner, so our eyes are waiting for the Lord our God, till he has mercy on us.
Just as servants look to their master, or a maid looks to her mistress, so we keep our eyes on you, Lord our God, waiting for you to be merciful to us.
Behold, as the eyes of seruants looke vnto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a mayden vnto the hand of her mistres: so our eyes waite vpon the Lord our God vntil he haue mercie vpon vs.
Lo, as eyes of men-servants [Are] unto the hand of their masters, As eyes of a maid-servant [Are] unto the hand of her mistress, So [are] our eyes unto Jehovah our God, Till that He doth favour us.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD, our God, until he has mercy on us.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until he shall have mercy upon us.
If it had not been that the Lord was with us, When men rose up against us,
Like servants ask [IDM] their masters for what they need and like maids ask t their mistresses for what they need, we ask you, Yahweh our God, for what we need, and we ask you to be merciful to us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 123:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 123:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּ֨ה
כְ/עֵינֵ֪י
עֲבָדִ֡ים
אֶל
יַ֤ד
אֲֽדוֹנֵי/הֶ֗ם
כְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
שִׁפְחָה֮
אֶל
יַ֪ד
גְּבִ֫רְתָּ֥/הּ
כֵּ֣ן
עֵ֭ינֵי/נוּ
אֶל
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
עַ֝֗ד
שֶׁ/יְּחָנֵּֽ/נוּ
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
כְ/עֵינֵ֪י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
עֲבָדִ֡ים
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יַ֤ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
אֲֽדוֹנֵי/הֶ֗ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
כְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
שִׁפְחָה֮
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יַ֪ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
גְּבִ֫רְתָּ֥/הּ
gᵉbereth
H1404
lady
N-fs | Suff
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
עֵ֭ינֵי/נוּ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
עַ֝֗ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
שֶׁ/יְּחָנֵּֽ/נוּ
chânan
H2603
be gracious
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 123:2
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
כְ/עֵינֵ֪י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
עֲבָדִ֡ים
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַ֤ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֲֽדוֹנֵי/הֶ֗ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
כְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שִׁפְחָה֮
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
N-fs
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַ֪ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
גְּבִ֫רְתָּ֥/הּ
gᵉbereth
H1404
"lady"
N-fs | Suff
This word means 'lady' or 'mistress', referring to a woman of high social status, such as a queen or the mistress of a household. It is used to describe women like the Queen of Sheba or the mistress of a large estate.
Definition: 1) lady, queen 2) mistress (of servants)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: lady, mistress. See also: Genesis 16:4; Psalms 123:2; Proverbs 30:23.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
עֵ֭ינֵי/נוּ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
עַ֝֗ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
שֶׁ/יְּחָנֵּֽ/נוּ
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 123:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 123:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 123:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 123:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 123:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 123:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
- Sermons on Psalms 123:2
Context — I Lift Up My Eyes to You
1I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.
3Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. 4We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 130:5–6 | I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning— more than watchmen wait for the morning. |
| 2 | Lamentations 3:25–26 | The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 25:15 | My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh. |
| 4 | Psalms 40:1–3 | I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. |
| 5 | Genesis 49:18 | I await Your salvation, O LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:123–125 | My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise. Deal with Your servant according to Your loving devotion, and teach me Your statutes. I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. |
| 7 | Luke 18:1 | Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: |
| 8 | Genesis 32:26 | Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” |
| 9 | Joshua 10:6 | Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come quickly and save us! Help us, because all the kings of the Amorites from the hill country have joined forces against us.” |
| 10 | Joshua 9:27 | On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. |
Psalms 123:2 Summary
[Psalms 123:2 teaches us that we should look to God for help and guidance, just like a servant looks to their master, because He is the one who can show us mercy and provide for our needs. This means trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 100:5 and Jeremiah 29:11. By waiting on the Lord and seeking His mercy, we can find comfort and strength in times of trouble, as encouraged in Psalms 27:14 and Lamentations 3:25-26. As we look to the Lord, we can trust that He will provide for us and show us mercy, just as a master cares for their servant.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to look to the hand of the Lord?
This phrase, as seen in Psalms 123:2, means to wait expectantly and trustingly for God's guidance and provision, just as a servant looks to their master for instructions and care, as illustrated in Psalms 119:18 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Why do the psalmist's eyes look to the Lord until He shows mercy?
The psalmist is expressing a deep longing for God's mercy and deliverance, acknowledging that true help and comfort come from Him alone, as stated in Psalms 121:1-2 and Isaiah 30:18.
How can we, like the psalmist, cultivate a posture of waiting on the Lord?
We can do this by prioritizing time in prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking to understand God's character, as encouraged in Psalms 27:14 and Lamentations 3:25-26, and by trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 100:5 and Jeremiah 29:11.
What is the significance of the servant-master and maidservant-mistress relationships in this verse?
These relationships illustrate the idea of dependence, loyalty, and trust, highlighting the psalmist's recognition of their complete reliance on God for mercy and guidance, similar to the concept in Romans 6:22 and Ephesians 6:5-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to look to the Lord for mercy and guidance, and how can I practically wait on Him in those areas?
- How does my understanding of God's character, as revealed in Scripture, impact my ability to trust Him and wait on His mercy?
- In what ways can I, like the psalmist, express my longing for God's mercy and deliverance in my prayers and daily life?
- What are some ways I can prioritize seeking the Lord and waiting on His mercy, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 123:2
Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters; [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress,.... To direct them in their work and business, to point out unto
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 123:2
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
Look unto the hand of their masters; either, 1. For supply of their wants, which comes from their masters’ hand; or, 2. For pity, the hand being the instrument whereby masters commonly correct their servants, and looking to the hand may express the posture of one supplicating for mercy; or rather, 3. For help and defence against their oppressors. For servants were unable to defend themselves, and were not allowed to wear defensive weapons, but expected and had protection kern their masters in case of injury. For this phrase of having one’ s eyes towards another, both in this and other sacred books, constantly notes expectation and desire of help from them, as 69:3 , and oft elsewhere. And the phrase of God’ s having mercy upon another, doth most commonly signify that act or effect of his mercy in helping and delivering him. Until that he have mercy upon us; until he graciously help and save us.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
Psalms 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.Ver. 2. Behold, as the eyes of servants] For direction, defence, maintenance, mercy in time of correction, help when the service is too hard, &c.; so do our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, viz. for direction and benediction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
(2) Eyes.—As the eyes of the slave are fixed on the hand of the master or mistress, waiting for a sign or direction, so Israel waits, expectant of the hint of Divine interference to deliver from the tyrant. The picture will be so familiar to readers of Oriental stories as hardly to need actual illustration; but Savary’s (Letters on Egypt, p. 135, quoted by Perowne) description exactly reproduces the intention of the poet: “The slaves stand silent at the bottom of the rooms, with their hands crossed over their breasts. With their eyes fixed upon their master, they seek to anticipate every one of his wishes.” Comp. “Cave oculos a meis oculis quoquam demoveas” (Ter. Adelph. Ii. 1, 16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
Verse 2. As the eyes of servants] We now wait for thy commands, feeling the utmost readiness to obey them when made known to us. The words may be understood as the language of dependence also. As slaves expect their support from their masters and mistresses; so do we ours from thee, O Lord! Or, As servants look to their masters and mistresses, to see how they do their work, that they may do it in the same way; so do we, O Lord, that we may learn of thee, and do thy work in thy own Spirit, and after thy own method. Some think that there is a reference here to the chastisement of slaves by their masters, who, during the time they are receiving it, keep their eyes fixed on the hand that is inflicting punishment upon them, professing deep sorrow, and entreating for mercy. And this sense seems to be countenanced by the following words:-
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 123:2
2. Behold, as the eyes of servants (look) unto the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid (look) unto the hand of her mistress, So our eyes (look) unto Jehovah our God, until he be gracious unto us. As the servants or slaves of a household are dependent on the master and mistress of the household and look to them for the supply of all their needs, so Israel which is Jehovah’s household acknowledges its dependence on Him, and looks to Him to relieve its present distress. “The hand is the symbol of power, which rules the whole house” (Cheyne). This explanation is preferable to that which supposes the point of the comparison to lie in the intentness with which slaves watch for the slightest gesture of command from their master; or that which regards the hand as the hand of chastisement, and the look as the look of entreaty, appealing to the angry master to desist. With the last line cp. Isaiah 30:18.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 123:2
Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters ... - Or, are to the hands of their masters; or, regard the hands of their masters.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 123:2
2. As the eyes of servants, etc.—The allusion is to the custom of dispensing favours, giving protection, or issuing orders, by the motion of the hand.
Sermons on Psalms 123:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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If Any Man Thirst by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of empty religiosity and the lack of true spiritual fulfillment. He uses the analogy of birdwatching to illustrate how some people |
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How God's Will Is Done in Heaven by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with God's will as it is done in heaven. He explains that angels wait for God's commands, obey immediately, carry out the |
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Privilege by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches on the Psalms, emphasizing that blessedness is found in our relationship with God, not in circumstances. He highlights the Christian life as a journey |
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At Terce, Sext and None on Monday by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of daily recitation of Psalms during specific Hours, starting with Psalms 118 on Sunday and Monday, followed by Psalms 119 to 127 f |
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A Touch From God - Part 3 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and seeking His presence, highlighting the consequences of spiritual adultery and the need to come out from places of d |
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The Five Smooth Stones by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of facing opposition and persecution in his ministry. Despite doors being shut and attempts to destroy him, he did not lose anyone |
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Battling the Unbelief of Impatience by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of faith and patience in the face of challenges and opposition. He uses the example of Charles Simeon, a patient man who served |