Psalm 123 – Slaves
Psalm 123 is a lament of one who has had enough and has nowhere else to turn. The writer turns to God in his need, like slaves who are dependent on their master. What might we learn about slaves from Psalm 123 – Slaves?
Psalm 123
Psalm 123 is another song of ascents, recited by pilgrims coming to Jerusalem. The psalmist looks to God, like slaves looks to their master/mistress.
“I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.” (1-3)
“This is not an endorsement of slavery, of course. It is a way of saying that the disciple’s dependence on God and submission to God should be no less total than the most obedient servant of an earthly master.” (Boice) Psalm 123 – Enduring Word
God’s Favor
The writer then addresses God directly, asking for God’s mercy. However, another translation is grace or favor. “Scholars point out that the Hebrew word there, hanan, can mean mercy or grace or favor. The problem with “mercy” is that it suggests unworthiness or guilt… But that is surely not the sense of Psalm 123. Here the problem is not the guilt or shame of the people of God, but the shameful way they have been treated by their enemies.” Psalm 123 – Center for Excellence in Preaching
“Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt.
We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud.” (3-4)
The psalm ends with this simple plea for mercy, as testament to fact that when we come before our God, we don’t need an abundance of words.
“This Psalm (as ye see) is but short, and therefore a very fit example to show the force of prayer not to consist in many words, but in fervency of spirit… Every prayer is long enough if it be fervent and proceed from a heart that understandeth the necessity of the saints.” (Martin Luther, cited in Charles Spurgeon) Psalm 123 – Enduring Word
Contempt
The people have endured extreme contempt. Some translations for 3a are “for we are exceedingly filled with contempt,” meaning he feels filled with the contempt of others. “This is the prayer of a people who have had it up to here, who have had their fill, whose souls are full of it. That’s the sense of “we have endured much.” These pilgrims have endured contempt, ridicule, scorn from those who look down on them, and they have simply had enough. But rather than fight back, which they clearly cannot do because of the power of the proud and arrogant, they look to their King to straighten things out.” Psalm 123 – Center for Excellence in Preaching
The words of the writer reflect the unfortunate contempt with which slaves may be held. Contempt is a powerful word, cutting deep into the spirit.
“The proud think so much of themselves that they must needs think all the less of those who are better than themselves. Pride is both contemptible and contemptuous.” (Spurgeon)
“It is illuminating that contempt is singled out for mention. Other things can bruise, but this is cold steel. It goes deeper into the spirit than any other form of rejection.” (Kidner) Psalm 123 – Enduring Word
When confronted with contempt, we are powerless like slaves. Only God’s intervention and grace can free us from this contempt. Often, any attempt we make on our own only makes the situation worse.
Servant or Slave
Some translations use the word servant in place of slave. The words are often used interchangeably in the Bible.
“In the biblical context, the terms “servants” and “slaves” often overlap, reflecting the socio-economic structures of ancient Near Eastern societies. The Hebrew word “ebed” and the Greek word “doulos” are commonly translated as “servant” or “slave,” depending on the context. These terms encompass a range of roles from household servants to bondservants, and their treatment and status are addressed in various biblical passages.” Topical Bible: Servants/Slaves
Other students of Scripture believe that the correct translation for “doulos” was slave, not servant.
“When the King James Bible was written, the word slave was not a popular choice with the translators, even though the word “slave” was in the original Greek manuscripts. The stigma that went with the word slavery was something they didn’t want in the Bible, and so for the most part, when you read the word “servant,” you’re probably reading a word that should have been translated into “slave,” because often, the word is not from the Greek word for servant, “diakonos,” but from the Greek word “doulos.” Does The Bible Teach We’re Servants Or Slaves Of Christ?
However Biblical slavery often indicated limited service, not lifelong.
“When examining these passages, it becomes clear that biblical “slavery” often refers to an indentured servitude designed to address poverty or debt rather than a system of forced subjugation based on race or kidnapping. For example, Exodus 21:2 states, “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free….” This indicates a cycle of limited service ending in release.” What is the Bible’s stance on slavery?
Is It Better to be a Slave or a Servant?
Some argue that servants is a better term because it denotes more independence. A servant is paid for their work and may retain their own household. While slaves are completely dependent on their owner for their very lives. They aren’t paid guests in a household, but an integral member of the household.
“In the first century world of the Roman Empire, slaves were much closer to the family than we might think. For one thing, slaves lived with the families; servants finished their work and went to their own home. The slave slept in the family’s house, they ate their food, they cared for their children as well as the adults, and they were more loyal than a servant.” Does The Bible Teach We’re Servants Or Slaves Of Christ?
While the terms might overlap, one thing remains consistent regardless which term is used. That is the dignity of the human person, whether servant or slave.
“Scripture’s guidelines often aimed to protect the rights and well-being of servants, ensuring fair treatment. Leviticus 25:39-40 explains that a fellow Israelite in dire straits “must not be sold as a slave” but rather treated as a hired worker. These passages highlight a recognition of dignity and an obligation for ethical treatment, depicting a notable difference from oppressive systems in other ancient Near Eastern societies.” What is the Bible’s stance on slavery?
As Paul tells us in Romans, in Christ, we are neither slave nor free. We are set free. To each belongs the dignity of being God’s children.
Psalm 123 – Slaves
The emphasis in Psalm 123 – slaves, is the complete dependence of the psalmist on God. Looking to the hands of God suggests this dependence. Only God can save them from the contempt of others. Whether slave or servant, we are God’s. Through God we are set free.
When you’ve had all you can take and feel you have nowhere to turn, turn to God like the writer of Psalm 123.
Have you experienced the pain of contempt? How does God set you free from that which enslaves you?
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 123: Waiting on God – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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