Salmos 123
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Salmos 123:1-2
123:1 This is similar to Ps. 121:1 (lifting up one's eyes was a gesture of prayer). In Ps. 121:2 "heaven" referred to the atmosphere above the earth (cf. Gen. 1:1), but here to the throne of God (cf. Ps. 11:4; 103:19; Isa. 66:1). YHWH is the King of the Universe. He is the Creator of all that exists, both physical and spiritual! SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEAVENS AND THE THIRD HEAVEN As is so common in the Psalter, there is a fluidity between the individual and the corporate. This Psalm starts out with "I" but moves rapidly toward "us." 123:2 The word "hand" (BDB 388, see SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND) is an idiom of power over (i.e., master, mistress). YHWH is the ultimate source of power and lordship. His people look to Him. ▣ "the Lord our God" This is similar to the title first used in Gen. 2:4, which combines YHWH and Elohim. Eloh is probably the SINGULAR form. This double title combines two characteristics of Israel's God. creator, sustainer, provider of all life on this planet ‒ Elohim savior, covenant-making God ‒ YHWH SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C., D. ▣ "Until He is gracious to us" The psalmist's situation is described in Ps. 123:3-4. He is patient that God will act on his behalf (Qal IMPERFECT). He calls on God in prayer twice in Ps. 123:3 (two Qal IMPERATIVES) to act on his behalf in compassion and mercy (BDB 335, KB 334).
Salmos 123:3-4
123:3b-4 As so often in the Psalter the author feels attacked (here he expresses the corporate aspect also). Here it is wealthy, powerful fellow Israelites (i.e., Isa. 32:11; Amos 6:1). Their actions fill him with "contempt" (BDB 100) and "scoffing" (BDB 541). It is surely possible that Psalms 122 and 123 reflect the period of Ezra, Nehemiah. Often these kinds of people act as if they are the masters but the psalmist knows YHWH is the true and ultimate master. Life is often unfair and demands patient prayer and a proper worldview! The UBS Handbook (p. 1059) asserts that "the language of verses 3-4 implies that the enemies are foreigners, not fellow Israelites." But I see nothing in Ps. 123:3-4 that proves this, and the problems of post-exilic Jerusalem fit this context better. 123:3 "Be gracious" This IMPERATIVE (BDB 335, KB 334) is repeated for emphasis. The psalmist's fellow Israelites are being anything but "gracious." The psalmist is "filled" (BDB 959, KB 1302, Qal PERFECT with contempt (BDB 541) scoffing (BDB 100) toward those wealthy Israelites who take advantage of fellow covenant brothers (cf. Ezra; Nehemiah). they are at ease they are proud 123:4 "soul" See SPECIAL TOPIC: NEPHESH