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"Had it not been the LORD who was on our side," let Israel now say, "Had it not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive..." Psalm 124:1-3 NASB As we examine the progression of these "songs of ascent," it is not difficult to see the relationship between this psalm and the one preceding it. Psalm 123 was an intensely earnest plea for intervention against those who despise Israel and wish her destruction. This next psalm is a retrospective, a look back at what God had just performed in response to that plea. It is a collective sigh of relief and gratitude to the Lord, in the realization that if He had not stepped in and helped them, the outcome would have been gravely different. Instead, the Lord was visibly and actively "on their side," not allowing the violent schemes of the adversaries to succeed. So this Psalm is an expression of praise and thankfulness and acknowledgment. It is also a reminder to the people of Israel that they should remember that it is the Lord Himself who is helping them. Indeed, bringing Israel to the point where they understand that, that their "help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth" (v 8) is a primary objective of God's master plan for these days. Today, as we see these "songs of ascent" being played out before our eyes, it is fascinating to watch as the gaze of Israel slowly turns back to the Lord. Through the events of today and future days, the God of Israel, who has not removed His compassion from them, will continue to help them and restore them. Though they do not acknowledge Him now, they day is coming when they will once again trust in Him, and acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah.
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