The Word Made Fresh
(A psalm of ascent. Of David.)
1If it had not been the LORD who was on our side –
Israel can now say –
2if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when we were attacked by our enemies,
3they would have swallowed us alive
when they were so angry against us.
4We would have been swept away as in a flood,
like a mighty wave washing over us.
5They would have overwhelmed us like a raging river.
6That is why we adore the LORD
who has not let us be eaten up by them.
7We escaped, like a bird escaping from the fowlers’ traps.
Their snares are broken, and we are safe.
8The LORD who created heaven and earth is our help.
Commentary
Superscription: the 5th “song of ascent.” The 63rd of the psalms ascribed to David.
1-8: A national prayer of gratitude for deliverance from an enemy who has attacked, apparently without provocation. A disaster has been averted, and in the aftermath, they breathe a great sigh of relief. Against overwhelming odds, they somehow survived the attack. Surely their victory was divinely orchestrated, and a song of glad thanksgiving is raised.
Takeaway
Every time we avoid danger or harm, we should consider that it is no accident, but the LORD working to keep us safe. And that is an occasion to raise a prayer of thanksgiving.