A song of ascents.
This phrase indicates that Psalm 124 is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The ascent is both physical, as Jerusalem is situated on a hill, and spiritual, symbolizing drawing closer to God. The Songs of Ascents emphasize themes of trust, deliverance, and worship.

Of David.
This attribution suggests that King David is the author of this psalm. David's life was marked by numerous instances where he experienced God's deliverance, making him a fitting author for a psalm of thanksgiving for divine intervention. David's reign was characterized by military victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel, aligning with the themes of protection and divine favor.

If the LORD had not been on our side—
This phrase introduces a conditional statement that invites reflection on God's past interventions. The LORD, represented by the tetragrammaton YHWH, is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and commitment to Israel. The phrase suggests a hypothetical scenario where God's presence and support were absent, highlighting the nation's dependence on divine aid. This echoes other biblical narratives where God's presence was crucial, such as the Exodus (Exodus 14:13-14) and battles during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:42).

let Israel now declare—
This call to the nation of Israel to affirm God's intervention serves as a communal testimony of faith. It encourages collective remembrance and acknowledgment of God's past deeds, fostering unity and reinforcing national identity. The act of declaring is a form of worship and witness, similar to the call in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 for Israel to remember and teach God's commandments. This communal aspect is vital in maintaining the cultural and spiritual heritage of the people.

if the LORD had not been on our side
This phrase emphasizes the dependence of the Israelites on God's protection and intervention. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel's survival and success are attributed to God's presence and support. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be their protector. The phrase echoes the sentiment found in other Psalms, such as Psalm 118:6, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" It underscores the belief that without God's help, Israel would have been vulnerable to its enemies.

when men attacked us
This part of the verse refers to the numerous times Israel faced threats from surrounding nations. Historically, Israel was often under threat from powerful neighbors like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. The phrase can be seen as a reminder of specific events, such as the Exodus, when Pharaoh's army pursued the Israelites, or the various battles during the time of the Judges and Kings. It highlights the reality of human opposition and the need for divine intervention. This also points to the spiritual battles believers face, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

when their anger flared against us,
This phrase reflects a time of intense hostility and aggression from enemies. In the historical context of ancient Israel, the nation often faced threats from surrounding peoples such as the Philistines, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Anger in the biblical sense often denotes not just emotional rage but a deep-seated opposition that could lead to violence or war. This phrase can be connected to other instances in the Bible where God's people faced the wrath of their enemies, such as in Exodus 15:9, where the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with anger. Theologically, this can also be seen as a representation of spiritual warfare, where the forces of evil rise against God's people.

then they would have swallowed us alive,
The imagery of being "swallowed alive" suggests a sudden and complete destruction, akin to being consumed by a great beast. This metaphor is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Numbers 16:32, where the earth opened and swallowed Korah and his followers. It conveys a sense of overwhelming danger and helplessness without divine intervention. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, such language would resonate with the fear of being utterly defeated by one's enemies. This phrase also typologically points to Jesus Christ, who faced the ultimate wrath and was "swallowed" by death, yet overcame it through His resurrection, offering believers hope and deliverance from spiritual death.

then the floods would have engulfed us
This phrase evokes imagery of overwhelming danger and destruction, often used in the Bible to symbolize chaos and judgment. In the ancient Near East, floods were a common threat due to the region's geography, with heavy rains causing rivers to overflow. Biblically, floods can represent God's judgment, as seen in the story of Noah (Genesis 6-9), where the floodwaters were a means of divine cleansing. The psalmist uses this imagery to convey a sense of peril that could have consumed the people if not for divine intervention. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a protector against overwhelming forces, as seen in Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to be with His people through waters and rivers.

then the torrent would have overwhelmed us
The term "torrent" suggests a powerful, rushing stream, emphasizing the intensity and suddenness of the threat. In biblical times, torrents could refer to seasonal streams that became dangerous during heavy rains. This imagery is used to describe situations that are beyond human control, requiring divine assistance. The psalmist's use of this metaphor highlights the vulnerability of humans in the face of natural and spiritual adversities. This aligns with other scriptural references where God delivers His people from overwhelming circumstances, such as in Psalm 18:16, where God rescues from "mighty waters." The phrase also points to the New Testament, where Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:35-41), symbolizing His authority over chaos and His role as the ultimate deliverer.

then the raging waters
In biblical literature, water often symbolizes chaos and danger. The imagery of "raging waters" evokes the idea of overwhelming trials and adversities. In the ancient Near East, floods were a common threat, and the Israelites would have been familiar with the destructive power of water. This phrase can be connected to the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14), where God delivered Israel from the Egyptian army, symbolizing His power over chaos. The "raging waters" can also be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers, which God can deliver them from.

would have swept us away
This phrase emphasizes the totality of the threat and the helplessness of the people without divine intervention. The idea of being "swept away" suggests complete destruction and loss, akin to the fate of those who perished in the flood during Noah's time (Genesis 7). It underscores the necessity of God's protection and deliverance. In a broader theological context, this can be seen as a type of Christ's saving work, where He rescues humanity from the overwhelming tide of sin and death. The imagery of being "swept away" also resonates with the New Testament, where Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:39), demonstrating His authority over nature and chaos.

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).

We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler;
This phrase evokes imagery of a bird caught in a trap, a common metaphor in ancient Near Eastern literature for danger or entrapment. The "fowler" represents those who lay traps, often symbolizing enemies or adversaries. In biblical context, this can be seen as a representation of the Israelites' frequent encounters with hostile nations. The imagery of escape suggests divine intervention, as birds are often seen as vulnerable and in need of protection. This metaphor is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 91:3, which speaks of God delivering from the "snare of the fowler." The bird's escape signifies liberation and divine rescue, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms.

the net is torn,
The tearing of the net signifies a miraculous deliverance, as nets were typically strong and designed to securely trap. In the historical context, nets were used for hunting and fishing, symbolizing entrapment and capture. The tearing of the net implies an act of God, breaking the bonds that hold His people. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who breaks the chains of sin and death, offering freedom to believers. The imagery of a torn net also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus calls His disciples to be "fishers of men," suggesting a transformation from entrapment to liberation.

and we have slipped away.
The phrase "slipped away" indicates a smooth and unhindered escape, emphasizing the ease with which God delivers His people. This reflects the historical experiences of Israel, such as the Exodus, where they were delivered from the bondage of Egypt. Culturally, slipping away from a trap would be seen as a fortunate and blessed event, reinforcing the idea of divine favor. This concept is mirrored in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's deliverance from spiritual snares. The notion of slipping away also suggests a future hope, pointing to the ultimate deliverance found in Christ's return.

Our help is in the name of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes reliance on God for assistance and deliverance. The "name of the LORD" signifies His character, authority, and power. In biblical times, a name represented the essence of a person. The Israelites often called upon the name of the LORD in times of trouble, reflecting their trust in His covenant faithfulness. This phrase connects to other scriptures such as Proverbs 18:10, which describes the name of the LORD as a strong tower, and Acts 4:12, which speaks of salvation found in no other name but Jesus. The invocation of God's name underscores His role as a protector and deliverer, themes prevalent throughout the Psalms.

the Maker of heaven and earth
This phrase acknowledges God as the Creator, affirming His sovereignty over all creation. It reflects the biblical worldview that God is the ultimate source of all that exists, as seen in Genesis 1:1. This acknowledgment of God as Creator is foundational to understanding His power and authority. It also connects to passages like Isaiah 40:28, which speaks of the everlasting God as the Creator who does not grow weary. In the New Testament, John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16 affirm that all things were made through Christ, highlighting His divine nature and role in creation. This phrase reassures believers of God's omnipotence and His ability to help and sustain His people.