Thought for the Week

Psalm 124 outlines the work of God’s hand in delivering His people, Israel from destruction at the hands of the Egyptians. The song speaks to us of themes of redemption and salvation; that those who are recipients of God’s mercy and grace, might bless and praise His Name for such wondrous works.
In verses 1-2 the Psalmist asks us a rhetorical question: what would have happened to God’s people without his help and way of salvation? The author is here referencing the account of the exodus of the children of Israel across the red sea. The Psalmist does not leave us wondering – as in the following 5 verses, he highlights the destruction which would have occurred to the children of Israel should they have relied on their own strength and not that of Gods.
These consequences are clearly listed:
– The Children of Israel would have been swallowed up alive
– The flood would have swept them away
– The torrents and raging waters would have gone over them
– They would have been a prey to their (Egyptians) teeth
– They would have been ensnared by the fowlers (This language speaks of a bird captured by a poacher/bird catcher)
The Psalmist brings us to the conclusion that it is by God’s hand that the children of Israel escaped. It is in the name of the LORD that salvation and deliverance from our enemies is found. And what is the name of the LORD? We see in Exodus 34 that the name of the LORD is: “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgressions and sin”. It is these characteristics which are highlighted in the story of the Exodus. For God’s mercy indeed was extended to His people and His steadfast love broke free His people from the snares of the Egyptians.
We continue in Exodus 34 to read of God renewing His covenant with His people: “And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the LORD, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you”. The story of the Exodus highlights the awesome work of the LORD in providing a way of redemption and salvation for his people. A work which continues throughout the history of Israel as a nation and which we know has been extended to us as gentiles through the work of the promised seed – Jesus Christ.
Let us then join together with the Psalmist to sing: Blessed be the LORD! For our help is in Him and He is on our side.