Psalm 124:6

Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth.

Study Bible

Blessed be the LORD
This phrase is a call to worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's sovereignty and benevolence. In the Hebrew tradition, blessing the LORD is an act of recognizing His supreme authority and goodness. This echoes the frequent calls to bless the LORD found throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 103:1-2). It reflects a deep-seated tradition of praise that is central to the worship practices of ancient Israel. The act of blessing God is not just verbal but involves a heart posture of reverence and thankfulness.

who has not given us
This part of the verse emphasizes God's protective role over His people. The imagery suggests a divine intervention where God actively prevents harm from befalling His followers. This is consistent with the biblical narrative of God as a protector, as seen in the Exodus story where God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 14). It underscores the belief in God's providence and His ability to control circumstances for the benefit of His people.

as prey to their teeth
The metaphor of being prey to teeth suggests a violent and destructive threat, likely from enemies or oppressors. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this imagery would resonate with the audience familiar with the dangers posed by wild animals. It also reflects the historical reality of Israel's frequent conflicts with surrounding nations. The phrase can be connected to the New Testament depiction of Satan as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), highlighting the spiritual warfare believers face. This imagery also points to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who is seen as the Good Shepherd protecting His flock from spiritual harm (John 10:11-15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is praised for His protection and deliverance.

2. The Psalmist (David)
Traditionally attributed to King David, who often wrote psalms of thanksgiving and deliverance.

3. Israel
The nation that experienced God's deliverance from various enemies throughout its history.

4. Enemies (Metaphorical Teeth)
Represents the threats and dangers faced by Israel, often depicted as wild animals ready to devour.

5. Deliverance Event
While not specified, this psalm reflects a general theme of God’s deliverance from peril, possibly recalling events like the Exodus or battles against surrounding nations.

Teaching Points

God’s Sovereign Protection
God is actively involved in the lives of His people, providing protection from both physical and spiritual dangers.

Recognition of Divine Intervention
It is important to acknowledge and give thanks for God’s deliverance in our lives, recognizing His hand in our safety and well-being.

Trust in God’s Faithfulness
Just as God delivered Israel, He remains faithful to His promises and will deliver us from our adversaries.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
Believers must be aware of the spiritual battles they face and rely on God’s strength and protection.

Praise as a Response to Deliverance
Our response to God’s deliverance should be one of praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging His power and mercy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God’s protection in Psalm 124:6 influence your perspective on current challenges you face?

2. In what ways can you identify God’s deliverance in your own life, similar to how Israel experienced it?

3. How can the imagery of being "prey to their teeth" help you understand the severity of spiritual battles?

4. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a heart of gratitude and praise for God’s deliverance?

5. How can you apply the assurance of God’s protection in Psalm 124:6 to encourage others who are facing trials?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, where God did not allow them to fall into the hands of their enemies.

Daniel 6
Daniel in the lion's den, where God shut the mouths of the lions, preventing harm.

2 Timothy 4
Paul speaks of being rescued from the lion’s mouth, symbolizing deliverance from danger.

Psalm 91
A psalm of protection, emphasizing God’s role as a refuge and fortress.

Romans 8
Assurance that God is for us, and nothing can separate us from His love.