Psalms 124 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.120.1-134.3
These short, appealing songs were sung during pilgrims’ journeys to Jerusalem for the national festivals three times per year (Deut 16:16). The title of these psalms includes the Hebrew word for stairs, which some take to mean “ascending to Jerusalem.” These psalms (sometimes called the Songs of Ascents) take the reader on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel throughout history.
Ps.124.1-8
This thanksgiving song describes what might happen if the Lord were not present with his people.
Ps.124.1-2
The negative rhetorical questions emphasize the positive idea that the Lord was indeed on their side.
Ps.124.4-5
the raging waters of their fury: The enemies could have overwhelmed the Israelites and wiped them out if the Lord had not been with his people (cp. 69:15; Jer 46:8).
Ps.124.6-8
The enemies of God’s people, like lions or bears who tear their prey with their teeth (see 57:4; Prov 28:15), had their mouths shut by the Lord (Dan 6:22).