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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 123:2 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/123-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_123_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 123:2 - I Lift Up My Eyes to You" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/123.htm">New King James Version</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, 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. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/123.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a female servant to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He is gracious to us. <a href="/nasb/psalms/123.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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 is gracious to us. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/123.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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 shall be gracious to us. <a href="/lsb/psalms/123.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Behold, as the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a servant-girl to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to Yahweh our God, Until He is gracious to us. <a href="/amp/psalms/123.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, And as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He is gracious and favorable toward us. <a href="/csb/psalms/123.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until he shows us favor. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/123.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Like a servant&#8217s eyes on his master&#8217s hand, like a servant girl&#8217s eyes on her mistress&#8217s hand, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us favor. <a href="/asv/psalms/123.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/psalms/123.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Servants look to their master, but we will look to you, until you have mercy on us. <a href="/erv/psalms/123.htm">English Revised Version</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes look unto the LORD our God, until he have mercy upon us. <a href="/gwt/psalms/123.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As servants depend on their masters, as a maid depends on her mistress, so we depend on the LORD our God until he has pity on us. <a href="/gnt/psalms/123.htm">Good News Translation</a> As a servant depends on his master, as a maid depends on her mistress, so we will keep looking to you, O LORD our God, until you have mercy on us. <a href="/isv/psalms/123.htm">International Standard Version</a> Consider this: as the eyes of a servant focus on what his master provides, and as the eyes of a female servant focus on what her mistress provides, so our eyes focus on the LORD our God, until he has mercy on us. <a href="/msb/psalms/123.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/psalms/123.htm">NET Bible</a> Look, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female servant look to the hand of her mistress, so my eyes will look to the LORD, our God, until he shows us favor. <a href="/nheb/psalms/123.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Look, 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. <a href="/wbt/psalms/123.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/psalms/123.htm">World English Bible</a> 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 Yahweh, our God, until he has mercy on us. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/123.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Behold, as eyes of menservants "" [Are] to the hand of their masters, "" As eyes of a maidservant "" [Are] to the hand of her mistress, "" So [are] our eyes to our God YHWH, "" Until He favors us. <a href="/ylt/psalms/123.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/psalms/123.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants to the hand of their lords, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are to Jehovah our God, even till he compassionate us.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/123.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Behold as the eyes of the servants are on the hands of their masters, As the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress: so are our eyes unto the Lord our God, until he have mercy on us. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/123.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 122:2>Behold, as the eyes of the servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress, so our eyes are upon the Lord our God, until he may be merciful to us. <a href="/nabre/psalms/123.htm">New American Bible</a> Yes, like the eyes of servants on the hand of their masters, Like the eyes of a maid on the hand of her mistress, So our eyes are on the LORD our God, till we are shown favor. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/123.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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 upon us.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/123.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants look towards their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden look towards her mistress; so also our eyes look towards the LORD our God, until he shall have mercy upon us. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/123.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Like the eyes of Servants to their Masters and like the eyes of a Handmaiden to her Mistress, so our eyes are to you, LORD JEHOVAH, our God, until you have mercy upon us!<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/123.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants unto the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; So our eyes look unto the LORD our God, Until He be gracious unto us. <a href="/sep/psalms/123.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Behold, as the eyes of servants are directed to the hands of their masters, and as the eyes of a maidservant to the hands of her mistress; so our eyes are directed to the Lord our God, until he have mercy upon us. <a href="/parallel/psalms/123-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=16158" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/123.htm">I Lift Up My Eyes to You</a> 1A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. 2<a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ḵə·‘ê·nê (Prep-k:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">As the eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">of servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">look to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">the hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ăḏō·w·nê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">of their master,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: kə·‘ê·nê (Prep-k:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">as the eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/8198.htm" title="8198: šip̄·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Maid, maidservant. Feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out; a female slave.">of a maidservant</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">look to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">the hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/1404.htm" title="1404: gə·ḇir·tāh (N-fsc:: 3fs) -- Lady, queen, mistress. Feminine of gbiyr; mistress.">of her mistress,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">so</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nê·nū (N-cdc:: 1cp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">our eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">are on</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">our God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/2603.htm" title="2603: še·yə·ḥān·nê·nū (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 1cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore.">He shows us mercy.</a> 3Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/30-18.htm">Isaiah 30:18</a> Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him. <a href="/lamentations/3-25.htm">Lamentations 3:25-26</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/25-15.htm">Psalm 25:15</a> My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh. <a href="/psalms/141-8.htm">Psalm 141:8</a> But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless. <a href="/psalms/130-5.htm">Psalm 130:5-6</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/62-5.htm">Psalm 62:5</a> Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. <a href="/psalms/33-18.htm">Psalm 33:18-22</a> Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion / to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. / Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. ... <a href="/psalms/145-15.htm">Psalm 145:15-16</a> The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. / You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. <a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a> Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <a href="/luke/12-36.htm">Luke 12:36-37</a> Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a> Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <a href="/james/5-7.htm">James 5:7-8</a> Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6-7</a> Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. / Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 on the LORD our God, until that he have mercy on us.as the eyes<a href="/joshua/9-23.htm">Joshua 9:23,27</a> Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God… <a href="/joshua/10-6.htm">Joshua 10:6</a> And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.so our eyes<a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Psalm 40:1-3</a> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry… <a href="/psalms/119-82.htm">Psalm 119:82,123-125</a> Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? … <a href="/psalms/130-5.htm">Psalm 130:5,6</a> I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/123-1.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/119-132.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/psalms/121-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/119-121.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/job/31-1.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/esther/2-13.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/psalms/105-21.htm">Master</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/psalms/119-159.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-13.htm">Mistress</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-24.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">Servant-Girl</a> <a href="/psalms/119-91.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/job/31-13.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/psalms/119-157.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/119-166.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/psalms/119-131.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/131-1.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/123-3.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/psalms/127-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/125-3.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-19.htm">Master</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/psalms/123-3.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-23.htm">Mistress</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-23.htm">Servant-Girl</a> <a href="/psalms/134-1.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/130-5.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/psalms/130-5.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 123</div>1. <a href="/psalms/123-1.htm">The godly profess their confidence in God</a> 3. <a href="/psalms/123-3.htm">And pray to be delivered from contempt</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/123.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/123.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master In ancient Near Eastern culture, servants were entirely dependent on their masters for provision, protection, and direction. This relationship was characterized by loyalty and trust, as the servant relied on the master's hand for sustenance and guidance. The imagery here reflects a posture of humility and dependence, emphasizing the servant's attentiveness to the master's will. Biblically, this can be seen in the relationship between God and His people, where believers are called to be attentive and obedient to God's commands, much like servants to their masters. This phrase also echoes the theme of servanthood found throughout Scripture, where Jesus Himself is described as the ultimate servant (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>).as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress The mention of a maidservant highlights the gender-specific roles within the household structure of the time. Maidservants, like their male counterparts, were expected to be attentive and responsive to their mistress's needs and commands. This reflects a cultural context where women, though often in subordinate roles, played crucial parts in the functioning of a household. The imagery of looking to the hand suggests a readiness to act and a dependence on the mistress for provision and instruction. This can be paralleled with the church's relationship to Christ, where believers are called to be the bride of Christ, looking to Him for guidance and sustenance (<a href="/ephesians/5-24.htm">Ephesians 5:24</a>).so our eyes are on the LORD our God This phrase shifts the focus from human relationships to the divine, illustrating the psalmist's reliance on God. The use of "our" indicates a communal aspect, suggesting that this is not just an individual plea but a collective expression of dependence on God. The eyes being on the LORD signifies a posture of expectation and hope, trusting in God's character and promises. This is consistent with the biblical theme of looking to God for help and deliverance, as seen in other psalms (<a href="/psalms/121.htm">Psalm 121:1-2</a>). It also reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He is their provider and protector.until He shows us mercy The plea for mercy underscores the psalmist's recognition of human frailty and the need for divine compassion. Mercy, in the biblical sense, involves God's loving-kindness and forgiveness, often in response to human repentance and humility. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's mercy towards His people, despite their shortcomings. The anticipation of mercy is a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists often cry out for God's intervention and grace (<a href="/psalms/51.htm">Psalm 51:1</a>). This phrase also points to the ultimate act of mercy in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the fulfillment of God's merciful plan for salvation (<a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/servants_and_maidservants.htm">Servants and Maidservants</a> These individuals represent those who are in a position of dependence and service, looking to their masters for provision and direction. 2. <a href="/topical/m/masters_and_mistresses.htm">Masters and Mistresses</a> Figures of authority and provision, representing God in this analogy, to whom the servants and maidservants look for guidance and sustenance. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_our_god.htm">The LORD our God</a> The central figure in this verse, representing the ultimate authority and source of mercy for the faithful. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a> The author of the Psalm, who expresses a communal longing and dependence on God for mercy. 5. <a href="/topical/m/mercy.htm">Mercy</a> The desired response from God, indicating His compassion and favor towards His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> Just as servants depend on their masters, we are called to depend on God for our needs and guidance. <a href="/topical/e/expectation_of_mercy.htm">Expectation of Mercy</a> Our posture should be one of hopeful expectation, trusting in God's character to show mercy. <a href="/topical/f/focus_and_patience.htm">Focus and Patience</a> Maintaining our focus on God requires patience and perseverance, especially in times of waiting. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a> Recognizing our position as servants of God fosters humility and a willingness to serve Him faithfully. <a href="/topical/p/prayerful_attitude.htm">Prayerful Attitude</a> This verse encourages a prayerful attitude, continually looking to God in all circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_123.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 123</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_123_2_contradict_egalitarianism.htm">Does Psalm 123:2, likening believers to servants at a master’s hand, suggest a power dynamic that contradicts more egalitarian biblical passages? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_123's_mercy_align_with_ot_judgment.htm">How can Psalm 123’s insistence on divine mercy be reconciled with other Old Testament texts where God enacts harsh judgment in similar circumstances?</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_123_4_conflict_with_other_verses.htm">Psalm 123:4 laments the scorn of the proud; does this conflict with other verses implying the righteous should not be shaken by contempt? </a> <a href="/q/how_can_anyone_be_righteous_per_psalm_143_2.htm">Psalm 143:2 states no one living is righteous; how does this align with passages naming certain individuals as righteous elsewhere in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/123.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/123.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters. Watch, i.e., for the slightest sign that he may give of his will. Such signs were usually given by some movement of the "hand." And as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress. Masters were waited on by male slaves; their wives by handmaids - both equally anxious to do their will, and therefore equally watchful of all the signs that indicated it. So our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us. We wait for the least sign that he is about to help and deliver us. <a href="/commentaries/psalms/123-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>As the eyes כְעֵינֵ֪י (ḵə·‘ê·nê) Preposition-k | Noun - cdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain of servants עֲבָדִ֡ים (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant [look] to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the hand יַ֤ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of their master, אֲ‍ֽדוֹנֵיהֶ֗ם (’ăḏō·w·nê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller as the eyes כְּעֵינֵ֣י (kə·‘ê·nê) Preposition-k | Noun - cdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain of a maidservant שִׁפְחָה֮ (šip̄·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8198.htm">Strong's 8198: </a> Maid, maidservant [look] to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the hand יַ֪ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of her mistress, גְּבִ֫רְתָּ֥הּ (gə·ḇir·tāh) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1404.htm">Strong's 1404: </a> Lady, queen, mistress so כֵּ֣ן (kên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus our eyes עֵ֭ינֵינוּ (‘ê·nê·nū) Noun - cdc | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain are on אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel our God אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative until עַ֝֗ד (‘aḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while He shows us mercy. שֶׁיְּחָנֵּֽנוּ׃ (še·yə·ḥān·nê·nū) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2603.htm">Strong's 2603: </a> To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/123-2.htm">Psalm 123:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/123-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 123:2 Behold as the eyes of servants look (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/123-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 123:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 123:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/123-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 123:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 123:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>