Psalm 124 Explained: Our Help Is in the Name of the Lord
For GeorgesBibleMinistries.com
Psalm 124 reminds us that God’s people owe their deliverance to Him. Looking back at great danger, the psalmist recognises that without the Lord’s help, they would have been overwhelmed.
This psalm is attributed to David and is one of the Songs of Ascents, associated with the journey to Jerusalem for worship. It calls the whole community to remember God’s protection and give Him the praise.
Verses 1–2: “If it had not been the LORD”
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say.”
— Psalm 124:1, KJV
David invites Israel to consider what would have happened without God. Their survival was not simply the result of their own strength, wisdom, or ability. The Lord had helped them.
Remembering what God has brought us through can strengthen our faith. We may remember a difficult season, a frightening situation, or a time when we could see no way forward. This psalm teaches us to acknowledge His mercy rather than take every blessing for granted.
The question is not only, “How did I get through?” but, “Have I thanked the Lord for helping me?”
Verses 3–5: Trouble That Could Have Overwhelmed Them
David describes their enemies as people who would have swallowed them alive. He then pictures the danger as a flood sweeping over them.
These powerful images show how helpless Israel had been. Their enemies were furious, and the threat was greater than they could handle alone.
We can also face circumstances that feel overwhelming: grief, opposition, family troubles, or fear about the future. The psalm does not pretend that danger is imaginary. It declares that God’s help is greater than the danger His people faced.
Being loved by God does not mean we will never face trouble. It means we can turn to Him in the midst of it.
Verse 6: Give God the Praise
“Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.”
— Psalm 124:6, KJV
The picture changes from a flood to a wild animal ready to devour its prey. Yet the Lord had not allowed His people to be destroyed.
David responds with praise. He does not give the credit to himself or celebrate Israel’s strength. He blesses the Lord.
When we pray desperately for help, we should also remember to give thanks when help comes. Gratitude keeps us mindful of our dependence on God.
Verse 7: The Snare Is Broken
“Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.”
— Psalm 124:7, KJV
A fowler is someone who catches birds. David compares Israel to a bird caught in a trap, unable to free itself. Then the trap breaks, and the bird escapes.
This is a picture of deliverance from a situation that seemed hopeless. Their freedom came because the danger holding them was broken.
For Christians, this also provides a fitting picture of the freedom found in Jesus Christ. Although the verse speaks directly about Israel’s deliverance, it reminds us that we cannot save ourselves from sin. We need the Saviour who sets us free.
What looks like the end to us is never beyond God’s power to act. We can ask for His help, while trusting His wisdom about how and when He answers.
Verse 8: Our Help Comes from the Creator
“Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
— Psalm 124:8, KJV
The psalm finishes with confidence. Their help comes from the One who created everything.
“The name of the LORD” points to who He is—His character, authority, and power. This is not a magical phrase; it is a declaration of trust in the living God.
The Creator of heaven and earth is able to help His people. We may not understand everything happening around us, but we can bring our needs to Him.
What Psalm 124 Teaches Us Today
- Remember God’s mercy. Look back with gratitude at the help He has given.
- Recognise your dependence on Him. Our strength and understanding have limits.
- Pray when trouble feels overwhelming. God hears us in our distress.
- Give Him the praise. Do not forget the Lord after the crisis has passed.
- Place your confidence in His character. Our help rests in who He is.
We should not use “the Lord is on our side” to claim that God approves of everything we do. We must seek His will and walk in His truth. Nor does this psalm promise that believers will escape every loss or hardship. It celebrates a real deliverance and directs our faith towards the faithful Lord.
Psalm 124 begins by remembering what might have happened without God and ends by declaring where our help is found. May we remember His mercy, thank Him for His deliverance, and trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and for the times You have carried us through trouble. Forgive us when we take Your help for granted. When we feel overwhelmed, teach us to turn to You. Keep us faithful through hardship, and help us to give You the glory. Our help is in Your name, Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
GOD IS A GOOD GOD
GOD KNOWS, GOD LOVES, GOD CARES
Written for Georges Web Ministries.com
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5th October 2026
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