King James Version
Psalm 123
Faithful servants look expectantly toward heaven in this brief prayer, which forms the fourth Song of Ascents (Psalms 120 to 134) in Book V. The community compares its posture to servants looking to the hand of their master or a maiden to her mistress, waiting patiently for mercy. Facing contempt and ridicule from wealthy and arrogant neighbors, the believers ask for relief without turning to anger or retaliation. The short poem demonstrates patient endurance and humble reliance during periods of social disrespect. A key verse highlights this attentive attitude: 'Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.' It models quiet reverence.
1 Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
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