Psalms 123
Psalms 123 is a brief prayer of dependence. The speaker looks to the Lord in heaven and waits for mercy, using the picture of servants watching their master closely. It is a psalm for anyone facing ridicule, pressure, or exhaustion while still turning to God.
This psalm opens with a direct lift of the eyes toward God, who is described as reigning in heaven. The people compare their posture to servants waiting attentively for a master's direction and care. Their need is mercy, repeated twice as they ask the Lord to respond. The reason for their plea is clear: they have been overwhelmed by contempt, scorn, and proud opposition. The psalm does not explain the trouble, but it does show where hope is found. It places trust in God's compassion before any change in circumstances.
Psalms 123 is one of the Songs of Ascents, placed among psalms often associated with worshipful journeying and communal prayer. It follows a song of gladness over Jerusalem and moves into a more sober cry for mercy. In the wider book of Psalms, it gives voice to God's people when they are mocked or worn down and need steady trust.
Read the full text of Psalms 123 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.
I Lift Up My Eyes to You
A song of ascents.
1I lift up my eyes to You,
the One enthroned in heaven.
2As the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the LORD our God
until He shows us mercy.
3Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy,
for we have endured much contempt.
4We have endured much scorn from the arrogant,
much contempt from the proud.
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