Psalms 124:5

"then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 124:5, the psalmist vividly describes a life-threatening scenario where overwhelming waters threaten to engulf the people. This imagery likely refers to flooding that was common in the region and would have been terrifying for the ancient Israelites. The verse underscores their dependence on divine intervention to avoid disaster, reflecting the historical context of natural dangers they faced and their belief in God's protective power.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Then the proud waters had gone over our soul -Over us. The word proud here is applied to the waters as if raging, swelling, rolling, tumultuous; as if they were self-confident, arrogant, haughty. Such raging billows, as they break and dash upon the shore, are a striking embIem of human passions, whether in an individual, or in a gathering of men - as an army, or a mob. ComparePsalms 65:7. This is again an amplification, or an ascent of thought. See the notes atPsalms 124:2. It is, however, nothing more than a poetical embellisment, adding intensity to the expression.

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