What does Psalms 124:2 mean?
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:" - Psalms 124:2

"Psalms 124:2 (KJV): 'If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us'
The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poetic songs and prayers that express a wide range of human emotions, from joy and thanksgiving to desperation and fear. Psalm 124:2 is a verse that reflects the idea of God's protection and deliverance in the face of adversity.
The theme of God's protection is a recurring motif throughout the book of Psalms. In this particular verse, the psalmist is expressing gratitude for the fact that God was on their side when enemies or adversaries rose up against them. The verse implies that without God's intervention, the outcome would have been very different.
The context of Psalm 124 is not explicitly provided, but it is traditionally attributed to King David, who often faced opposition and threats from enemies during his reign. It is likely that the psalm was written to commemorate a specific event in which God delivered David and his people from a dangerous situation. The imagery of the verse conjures up the idea of a vulnerable person or group being surrounded by hostile forces, only to be saved by the intervention of a powerful ally.
The verse can be interpreted in both a literal and metaphorical sense. On a literal level, it could refer to a military conflict or an external threat to the safety and security of a community. In this context, the verse serves as a testimony to God's role as a protector and defender of his people. In a metaphorical sense, the verse can also be seen as a reflection of the psalmist's personal struggles and challenges, with God's intervention representing a source of strength and support in times of trouble.
The symbolism in Psalm 124:2 is rich and evocative. The image of the Lord being "on our side" conveys the idea of God as a loyal and steadfast ally, standing alongside his people in their time of need. The phrase "when men rose up against us" captures the sense of opposition and hostility that the psalmist and his community were facing. It emphasizes the idea of God's protection in the face of external threats and challenges.
The verse also carries a message of faith and trust in God's providence. By acknowledging God's presence and intervention in the midst of adversity, the psalmist is expressing confidence in God's ability to deliver and protect his people. This theme of trust and reliance on God's providence is a central theme throughout the book of Psalms, reflecting the belief that God is a source of strength and refuge in times of trial.
Overall, Psalm 124:2 is a powerful expression of gratitude for God's protection and deliverance in the face of adversity. It embodies the themes of trust, faith, and divine intervention that are central to the message of the book of Psalms. The verse serves as a reminder of God's unwavering presence and support in the lives of his people, offering comfort and hope in the midst of life's challenges."
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Psalms 124:2 Artwork
Psalms 124:2 - "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:"
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:" - Psalms 124:2
Psalms 124:5 - "Then the proud waters had gone over our soul."
"Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth." - Psalms 124:6
"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." - Psalms 124:8
Psalms 124:8 - "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."
Psalms 124:6 - "Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth."
"Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:" - Psalms 124:4
Psalms 124:1 - "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;"
Psalms 124:4 - "Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:"
Psalms 124:3 - "Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:"
Psalms 124:7 - "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped."
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;" - Psalms 124:1
"Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:124
Psalms 119:124 - "Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes."
"Then the proud waters had gone over our soul." - Psalms 124:5
"Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:" - Psalms 124:3
"Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped." - Psalms 124:7
Psalms 81:2 - "Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery."
A giant grouper fish, over a coral reef in the ocean, professional photography, extreme detail ( Psalms 124:1-6 KJVA A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; (2) If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: (3) Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: (4) Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: (5) Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. (6) Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Psalms 64:2 - "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:"
Psalms 115:2 - "Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?"
"Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery." - Psalms 81:2
Psalms 54:2 - "Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth."
Psalms 149:2 - "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King."
A giant grouper fish, over a coral reef in the ocean, professional photography, extreme detail ( Psalms 124:1-6 KJVA A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; (2) If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: (3) Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: (4) Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: (5) Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. (6) Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Psalms 5:2 - "Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray."
Psalms 17:2 - "Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal."
"Both low and high, rich and poor, together." - Psalms 49:2
Psalms 125:2 - "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever."