What does "not given us as prey" reveal about God's deliverance? Setting the Scene Psalm 124 paints a vivid picture of Israel looking back on moments when enemies threatened to swallow them alive. Verse 6 rejoices: “Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth.” The image is that of a wild beast ready to tear its victim apart—yet God steps in and the “prey” slips safely away. Unpacking “Not Given Us as Prey” • Divine Ownership – To “give” someone as prey would imply handing them over. God refuses to release His covenant people to destruction. – John 10:28 affirms this same security: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand.” • Active Intervention – The phrase highlights God’s personal involvement; He does more than hope for the best—He blocks the predator. – Daniel 6:22 echoes this: “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths; they have not harmed me.” • Complete Preservation – Deliverance is not partial; the prey is not merely wounded and limping away but wholly protected. – Isaiah 43:2 promises, “When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flames will not set you ablaze.” • Covenant Faithfulness – God’s rescue flows from His sworn commitment, not from human merit. – Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds, “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations.” Snapshots of God’s Deliverance in Scripture • Exodus 14 – Israel trapped between Pharaoh and the sea; the waters open, and the enemy is swallowed instead of the people. • 2 Kings 19:35 – Assyria surrounds Jerusalem, but in one night the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000, ending the siege. • Acts 12:6-11 – Peter chained between soldiers; an angel leads him past guards and iron gates that open on their own. These moments mirror Psalm 124:6—God intervenes so His people are never “given as prey.” What This Means for Us Today • Spiritual Battles – Ephesians 6:12 says our struggle is against spiritual forces. Christ’s victory at the cross guarantees the enemy will never devour those who are His. • Temptation and Trial – 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures that God “will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” He will not let temptations consume us. • Assurance of Salvation – Romans 8:31-39 declares nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ—no threat, no predator, no power. • Daily Confidence – Each morning can begin with the certainty that whatever prowls around us, our Shepherd stands between us and danger (Psalm 23:4). Responding in Worship • Praise Him for past rescues—name specific times He kept you from spiritual or physical harm. • Trust Him for present challenges—remind your heart of His track record. • Proclaim His faithfulness to others—Psalm 124 itself is a communal song, inviting all to celebrate the God who never hands His people over. |
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