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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 124:1 If the LORD had not been on our side--let Israel now declare--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/124-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_124_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 124:1 - Our Help is in the Name of the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If the LORD had not been on our side--let Israel now declare--" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/124-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/124-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/124.htm">Chapter 124</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/123-4.htm" title="Psalm 123:4">◄</a> Psalm 124:1 <a href="/psalms/124-2.htm" title="Psalm 124:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/124.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/124.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/124.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />What if the LORD had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/124.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If it had not been the LORD who was on our side— let Israel now say—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/124.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel now declare—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/124.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A Song of degrees of David. If <i>it had</i> not <i>been</i> the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/124.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. Of David. “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/124.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents, of David. “Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/124.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents, of David. &#8220Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,&#8221 Let Israel now say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/124.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“ Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/124.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. Of David. “Had it not been Yahweh who was on our side,” Let Israel now say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/124.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. Of David. “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/124.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side — let Israel say —<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/124.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Davidic song of ascents. If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/124.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents; of David. If it had not been Jehovah who was on our side, Let Israel now say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/124.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD was on our side! Let everyone in Israel say: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/124.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents; of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/124.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[A song by David for going up to worship.] "If the LORD had not been on our side..." (Israel should repeat this.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/124.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />What if the LORD had not been on our side? Answer, O Israel! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/124.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now say—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/124.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side?let Israel now declare?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/124.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents, by David. "If the LORD had not been on our side"--let Israel say this!--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/124.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[A Song of Ascents. By David.] If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/124.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/124.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. By David. If it had not been Yahweh who was on our side, let Israel now say, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/124.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A SONG OF THE ASCENTS. BY DAVID. If YHWH had not been for us "" (Pray, let Israel say),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/124.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A Song of the Ascents, by David. Save for Jehovah -- who hath been for us, (Pray, let Israel say),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/124.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Song of ascensions to David. Unless Jehovah was to us, now shall Israel say,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/124.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/124.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 123:1>A Canticle in steps. If the Lord had not been with us, let Israel now say it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/124.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. Had not the LORD been with us, let Israel say, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/124.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If it had not been the LORD who was on our side —let Israel now say—<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/124.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />IF it had not been the LORD who stood on our side, now may Israel say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/124.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If it was not LORD JEHOVAH who had stood for us, Israel shall say,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/124.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents; of David. 'If it had not been the LORD who was for us', Let Israel now say;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/124.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Song of Degrees: If it had not been that the Lord was among us, let Israel now say;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/124-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=16188" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/124.htm">Our Help is in the Name of the LORD</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-msc) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">A song</a> <a href="/hebrew/4609.htm" title="4609: ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Feminine of ma'aleh; elevation, i.e. The act, or the condition; specifically a climactic progression.">of ascents.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Of David.</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."> If the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3884.htm" title="3884: lū·lê (Conj) -- If not, unless. Or luwley; from luw' and lo'; if not.">had not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: še·hā·yāh (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">been</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">on our side—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">let Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">now</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mar- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">declare—</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-2.htm">Exodus 15:2</a></span><br />The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-10.htm">2 Corinthians 1:10</a></span><br />He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/33-29.htm">Deuteronomy 33:29</a></span><br />Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-12.htm">1 Samuel 7:12</a></span><br />Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-2.htm">Isaiah 43:2</a></span><br />When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">2 Kings 6:16</a></span><br />“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Psalm 118:6-7</a></span><br />The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? / The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/23-10.htm">Joshua 23:10</a></span><br />One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/32-7.htm">2 Chronicles 32:7-8</a></span><br />“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-10.htm">Acts 18:10</a></span><br />For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a></span><br />So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-19.htm">Jeremiah 1:19</a></span><br />They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;</p><p class="hdg">A Song.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/134-1.htm">Psalm 134:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all <i>ye</i> servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">The Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. The LORD <i>is</i> my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD <i>is</i> the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/46-7.htm">Psalm 46:7,11</a></b></br> The LORD of hosts <i>is</i> with us; the God of Jacob <i>is</i> our refuge. Selah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/54-4.htm">Psalm 54:4</a></b></br> Behold, God <i>is</i> mine helper: the Lord <i>is</i> with them that uphold my soul.</p><p class="hdg">now may</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/129-1.htm">Psalm 129:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/123-4.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/123-4.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/123-1.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/psalms/122-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/120-2.htm">Save</a> <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Side</a> <a href="/psalms/123-4.htm">Song</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/124-8.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/130-8.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/125-1.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/124-2.htm">Save</a> <a href="/psalms/124-2.htm">Side</a> <a href="/psalms/124-8.htm">Song</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 124</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/124-1.htm">The church blesses God for a miraculous deliverance</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/124.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/124.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A song of ascents.</b><br>This phrase indicates that <a href="/psalms/124.htm">Psalm 124</a> is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The ascent is both physical, as Jerusalem is situated on a hill, and spiritual, symbolizing drawing closer to God. The Songs of Ascents emphasize themes of trust, deliverance, and worship.<p><b>Of David.</b><br>This attribution suggests that King David is the author of this psalm. David's life was marked by numerous instances where he experienced God's deliverance, making him a fitting author for a psalm of thanksgiving for divine intervention. David's reign was characterized by military victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel, aligning with the themes of protection and divine favor.<p><b>If the LORD had not been on our side—</b><br>This phrase introduces a conditional statement that invites reflection on God's past interventions. The LORD, represented by the tetragrammaton YHWH, is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and commitment to Israel. The phrase suggests a hypothetical scenario where God's presence and support were absent, highlighting the nation's dependence on divine aid. This echoes other biblical narratives where God's presence was crucial, such as the Exodus (<a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a>) and battles during the conquest of Canaan (<a href="/joshua/10-42.htm">Joshua 10:42</a>).<p><b>let Israel now declare—</b><br>This call to the nation of Israel to affirm God's intervention serves as a communal testimony of faith. It encourages collective remembrance and acknowledgment of God's past deeds, fostering unity and reinforcing national identity. The act of declaring is a form of worship and witness, similar to the call in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-9</a> for Israel to remember and teach God's commandments. This communal aspect is vital in maintaining the cultural and spiritual heritage of the people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is portrayed as the protector and deliverer of His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, often representing the collective people of God who experience His deliverance and protection.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David (implied author)</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, King David often wrote about God's deliverance in times of trouble.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies (implied context)</a></b><br>Though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests adversaries from whom God delivers His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_community_of_believers.htm">The Community of Believers</a></b><br>The psalm is a communal declaration, inviting all of Israel to acknowledge God's intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_presence.htm">Acknowledging God's Presence</a></b><br>Recognize and declare God's active presence in our lives, just as Israel is called to do in this psalm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_testimony.htm">Community Testimony</a></b><br>Encourage the community of believers to share testimonies of God's deliverance, strengthening collective faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of relying on God rather than human strength or wisdom in times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_deliverance.htm">Gratitude for Deliverance</a></b><br>Cultivate a heart of gratitude for past deliverances, which builds faith for future challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>Trust in God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises, as demonstrated throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_124.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 124</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god's_help_seem_inconsistent.htm">Psalm 124:1–2 affirms God’s intervention for Israel, yet historical records detail numerous defeats. Why do these interventions appear inconsistent with recorded losses? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_credible_one_prevailed_alone.htm">(Psalm 118:10–12) How credible is the claim that a single individual or nation was surrounded by so many enemies yet prevailed without clear historical or archaeological evidence? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_124_6_with_invasions.htm">Psalm 124:6 claims God protected Israel from being devoured, yet the Bible elsewhere describes God allowing invasions and captivities. How do we reconcile this contrast?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_all_cultures_worship_god.htm">If Psalm 117:1 calls all nations to praise God, why does historical evidence suggest that many cultures never worshiped the Hebrew God at all?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/124.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say</span>; rather, <span class="accented">now let Israel say</span> (Kay, Cheyne, Revised Version). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/124-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A Song</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ascents.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּעֲל֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4609.htm">Strong's 4609: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָ֫וִ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">If the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭הוָה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had not</span><br /><span class="heb">לוּלֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lū·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3884.htm">Strong's 3884: </a> </span><span class="str2">If not, unless</span><br /><br /><span class="word">been on our side—</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁהָ֣יָה</span> <span class="translit">(še·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">now</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֝א</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">declare—</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹֽאמַר־</span> <span class="translit">(yō·mar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/124-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 124:1 A Song of Ascents (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/123-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 123:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 123:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/124-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 124:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 124:2" /></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>