Psalm 123 – Derek: Meditating on the Way
Psalm 123 finds pilgrims standing in the gates of Jerusalem and looking up to the God who is enthroned in the heavens and between the Cherubim of the ark of the covenant. The only petition is: “be gracious to us” (a word used three times in the space of four words). It is a communal prayer for people who have been mistreated by the wealthy, powerful, and arrogant. When we find ourselves in times of trouble, we cry, “mercy” and “grace” to the God of Israel who promises to bless us, keep us, and be gracious to us in Aaronic Blessing of Numbers 6. This prayer should be on our lips constantly, especially in the context of current events.