The upward look of the Lord’s servant amid contempt

The first verse is similar to the opening of Psalm 121. The Psalmist’s eyes are fixed upon the true source of power and government, rather than on the powers of evil that pervaded society. 

There is a lovely description of the gaze of the believer to his Lord, which depicts a look of the intensity of dependence, submission, loyalty and devotion. This is also portrayed under the similitude respecting the service of a servant to his master, or a maid to her mistress. The eyes watch the hands of both, so that any gesture of a command is observed quickly and enacted punctually. This conveys the devoted recognising of the authority they were under. 

Such should be our rapt attention and service, knowing that a sovereign Hand protects His servants, and will act against their enemies.

Pastor Jeff O’ Neil

Recommended Tune: Evan

Psalm 123

¹O thou that dwellest in the heav’ns,
I lift mine eyes to thee.
²Behold, as servants’ eyes do look
Their masters’ hand to see,

As handmaid’s eyes her mistress’ hand;
So do our eyes attend
Upon the LORD our God, until
To us he mercy send.

³O LORD, be gracious to us,
Unto us gracious be;
Because replenish’d with contempt
Exceedingly are we.

⁴Our soul is fill’d with scorn of those
That at their ease abide,
And with the insolent contempt
Of those that swell in pride.