Looking to God in Humility: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 123

✨ Executive Summary

Psalm 123, a concise yet profound ascent to God, beautifully illustrates the humility and utter dependence of the faithful upon their Lord. This psalm, one of the Songs of Ascents, likely sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem, speaks volumes about trusting God amidst scorn and oppression. We, like servants looking intently to their master, must fix our gaze on God, seeking His mercy and deliverance. Our reliance on God is not just in times of acute distress, but a constant posture of the heart. The psalm’s brevity belies its depth, offering a potent reminder that true strength lies not in our own abilities but in the compassionate gaze of our Lord. In a world rife with arrogance and self-sufficiency, looking to God in humility is the very foundation of our spiritual life.

This psalm resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox tradition, emphasizing the virtues of patience, endurance, and unwavering faith. Let us delve into each verse, uncovering the treasures of wisdom and guidance that this ancient prayer offers to us today.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Verse 1: “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.” (KJV); “To You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” (NKJV)

Hebrew: אֵלֶיךָ נָשָׂאתִי אֶת־עֵינַי הַיֹּשְׁבִי בַּשָּׁמָיִם׃

The very first line sets the tone: a posture of supplication and reverence. “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes…” It’s more than just a physical act; it signifies a turning of the heart towards God. In Coptic spirituality, we often bow our heads in prayer, but the lifting of the eyes here signifies a spiritual ascent. It’s akin to the ascension of Christ, a desire to be united with Him in heavenly places. The phrase “O thou that dwellest in the heavens” highlights God’s transcendence, His otherness, yet paradoxically, He is also intimately involved in our lives. This tension – God’s transcendence and immanence – is a cornerstone of our faith.

Spiritual Application: In our daily lives, amidst distractions and challenges, let us consciously lift our eyes – not just physically, but spiritually – to God. Let us acknowledge His presence in every situation and seek His guidance. Let’s find a service that helps us remember to turn our attention upward to him in prayer!

Verse 2: “Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.” (KJV); “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us.” (NKJV)

The imagery here is powerful and deeply relatable. Servants attentively watch their masters, anticipating their needs, ready to obey even the slightest gesture. The comparison to a maiden and her mistress adds a layer of intimacy and devotion. This is not a relationship of fear, but one of hopeful anticipation. We, as Christians, are called to have this same attentiveness towards God. We should be constantly attuned to His will, ready to respond to His promptings.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine, in his commentary on the Psalms, beautifully expounds on this verse: “Sicut oculi servorum ad manus dominorum suorum, ita oculi nostri ad Dominum Deum nostrum, donec misereatur nostri.” (As the eyes of servants to the hands of their masters, so our eyes to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us.) He stresses the utter dependence on God’s mercy. We have nothing to offer Him but our faith and our longing for His grace.

The societal context is important to understand. In ancient Near Eastern society, servants were completely reliant on their masters. Their livelihood, their safety, their very existence depended on their master’s favor. This highlights the totality of our dependence on God. We are utterly helpless without Him.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of attentiveness to God’s presence in your life. Pray regularly, read Scripture, and practice mindfulness. Ask yourself, “What is God calling me to do in this moment?” Practice *Hesychasm*, a meditative prayer tradition practiced in the Eastern Christian tradition focused on inner stillness and the constant recitation of the Jesus Prayer.

Verse 3: “Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.” (KJV); “Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us; for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.” (NKJV)

The plea for mercy is repeated, emphasizing the urgency of the psalmist’s need. “Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us…” This repetition is a hallmark of prayer in the Coptic tradition, echoing the *Kyrie Eleison* (“Lord, have mercy”) that we chant so frequently in our liturgies. The phrase “we are exceedingly filled with contempt” paints a stark picture of their situation. They are surrounded by mockery and scorn. This could be from external enemies, but also, perhaps, from internal struggles with doubt and despair.

The Deuterocanonical book of Wisdom (2:10-20) describes the mockery and persecution faced by the righteous. This suffering is often seen as a test of faith, an opportunity to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to God.

Spiritual Application: When you face mockery or contempt, remember that you are not alone. Christ Himself was mocked and scorned. Turn to God in prayer and ask for His strength to endure. Find solace in the community of believers.

Verse 4: “Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.” (KJV); “Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those who are at ease, With the contempt of the proud.” (NKJV)

This verse delves deeper into the source of their suffering. It’s not just external persecution, but the internal pain of being scorned by those who are “at ease.” These are people who are comfortable, secure in their own wealth and power, and they look down upon the faithful. The “proud” are those who rely on their own strength and abilities, rather than trusting in God.

The Coptic tradition teaches us to be wary of those who are complacent and self-satisfied. True spirituality requires a constant awareness of our own weakness and dependence on God. St. Macarius the Great speaks extensively about the dangers of pride and the necessity of humility. He often mentions that the most difficult spiritual battle is not against external forces, but the internal struggle against pride and self-deception.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the temptation to envy those who seem to have it easy. Remember that true happiness comes not from material possessions or social status, but from a relationship with God. Cultivate humility and avoid the trap of pride.

🕊️ Reflections on Humility and Dependence

Here are some key reflections and teachings derived from Psalm 123:

• Constant Dependence: Our faith journey is one of constant reliance on God. We are not meant to be self-sufficient; we are created to be in relationship with our Creator.
• Humility as a Virtue: Humility is not weakness, but strength. It allows us to recognize our limitations and to turn to God for help. It protects us from the pitfalls of pride and self-deception.
• Attentiveness to God: Cultivate a spirit of attentiveness to God’s presence in your life. Pray regularly, read Scripture, and practice mindfulness.
• Enduring Scorn: When you face mockery or contempt for your faith, remember that you are not alone. Christ Himself was mocked and scorned.
• Avoiding Complacency: Be wary of those who are complacent and self-satisfied. True spirituality requires a constant awareness of our own weakness and dependence on God.
• Seeking Mercy: Never hesitate to ask for God’s mercy. He is always ready to forgive and to heal.

❓ FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers related to Psalm 123:

• Q: What does it mean to “lift up my eyes” to God?

  A: It’s a physical and spiritual act of turning our attention and heart towards God, acknowledging His presence and seeking His guidance. It signifies a desire to ascend spiritually and be united with Him.

• Q: Why does the psalm emphasize the importance of humility?

  A: Humility is crucial because it allows us to recognize our limitations and dependence on God. Pride blinds us to our need for His grace and guidance.

• Q: How can I apply the lessons of Psalm 123 in my daily life?

  A: By cultivating a spirit of attentiveness to God, praying regularly, seeking His guidance in all things, and remembering that true strength lies in our dependence on Him, even when faced with scorn or adversity.

• Q: What is the significance of the *Kyrie Eleison* in relation to this psalm?

  A: The *Kyrie Eleison*, meaning “Lord, have mercy,” reflects the repeated plea for mercy in Psalm 123, highlighting the central role of God’s compassion in our spiritual lives. It underscores the Coptic Orthodox tradition’s emphasis on continual repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness.

✨ Conclusion

Psalm 123 offers a powerful message of humility and dependence on God. Looking to God in humility, especially amidst the storms of life, is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our faith. Like servants watching their master’s hand, we should diligently seek God’s will, trusting in His mercy and guidance. May this psalm inspire us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, marked by unwavering faith, humility, and an unyielding hope in His loving-kindness. Let us strive to live each day with our eyes fixed on Him, seeking His grace and embracing His will in all things. This posture of constant dependence is not a burden, but a liberation, freeing us from the illusion of self-sufficiency and opening us to the boundless love and mercy of our Lord.

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Psalm 123, Humility, Dependence on God, Coptic Orthodox, Mercy, Prayer, Faith, Suffering, Contempt, Spiritual Growth

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Explore Psalm 123 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover the profound meaning of humility and unwavering faith in God amidst suffering. Learn to practice looking to God in humility.