Psalm 123:1: Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
Psalm 123 has been called “the eye of hope” because the temple comes into view, and the children of Israel turn their eyes to God in hope. The temple was a means of approach to God. The psalmist is making it very clear that God is not confined to the temple; He is not in a “box” in Jerusalem. The critic is wrong when he says that Israel considered Jehovah God a local deity who lived in their little temple in Jerusalem. The psalmist makes it abundantly clear that Israel did not believe any such thing. He addresses Him: “O thou that dwells in the heavens.” The pilgrim comes within sight of the temple, but it causes him to lift his eyes to heaven, knowing that God dwelt in the heavens. The temple was only a means of approach to God. 1
Living the Transformed Life
Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high? Psalm 113:5
- Look upward in faith, and do not look at your circumstances to find hope.
- Look upward in faith, and do not look upon your resources for the solution.
- Look upward in faith, and do not look to others to rescue you.
Looking upward is much better than looking inward.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for dwelling in a place for all to see our ever-present God. Dear Jesus, thank you for being available to help me with every need and concern.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Psalms 90-150) (electronic ed., Vol. 19, p. 117). Nashville.