1. The title of this Psalm indicates that it is "A Song of degrees [Ascents]." 2. Fifteen of the Psalms (120-134) have this title. 3. The Jews recited these Psalms as they traveled to Jerusalem to worship. 4. By meditating upon the messages taught in these Psalms, the Israelites would be prepared for worship when they arrived in Jerusalem. 5. David wrote Psalm 124 -- in it he reflected upon an occasion when God delivered His people from a difficult situation. 6. In our lesson, "let us examine David's reflection." Discussion: I. (vs.1-5) IF GOD HAD NOT BEEN ON THE SIDE OF HIS PEOPLE, THEY WOULD HAVE PERISHED
A. David reflected upon an occasion when the enemies of the Israelites were harassing them. 1. The enemies of the Israelites: a. had risen up against them (vs.2b) b. had kindled their wrath against them (vs.3b). 2. If God had not been on the side of His people,: a. their enemies would have swallowed them up quickly [as a wild animal devours its prey] (vs.3a) b. the waters would have overwhelmed the Israelites (vs.4a). 3. It is difficult to determine which occasion is being considered because God delivered the Israelites from their enemies so many times. B. It could be that David was referring to the time when God delivered His people from the Egyptians. 1. Years after Joseph moved his family to Egypt, the Egyptians mistreated the Israelites (Exodus 1:13-14). 2. The Israelites asked God for a deliverer (Exodus 2:23-25), and He sent Moses (Exodus 3:9-10). 3. Pharaoh refused to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt, so God brought the ten plagues upon the Egyptians. 4. Pharaoh finally sent the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 12:31-33). 5. Pharaoh changed his mind, and he pursued God's people (Exodus 14:8-9). 6. This caused the Israelites to be alarmed (Exodus 14:10), but Moses assured his people that God would fight for them (Exodus 14:13-14). 7. God delivered His people from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:26-31). 8. If God had not been on the side of His people, their enemies would have swallowed them up quickly, and the waters would have overwhelmed them. 9. This is just one occasion when God delivered His people from their enemies. II. (vs.6-8) DAVID PRAISED GOD FOR DELIVERING HIS PEOPLE
A. (vs.6) He praised God for not allowing His people to be a prey to their enemies. B. (vs.7) The Israelites escaped from their enemies much like a bird might escape from a snare. C. (vs.8) Reflecting upon God's deliverance led David to declare: "our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Conclusion:
1. In Psalm 124 David showed how God is the great deliverer of Israel. 2. God is still the deliverer of His people. a. (Colossians 1:12-14) When we become God's children, He delivers us "from the power of darkness" and translates us "into the kingdom of his dear Son." b. (Matthew 6:13) As God's children, we can ask Him to "deliver us from evil." c. (2 Peter 2:9) We are assured that God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. 3. Have you approached God for deliverance from evil? 4. Are you continuing to trust in His power to deliver you?
