Psalm 123:2

Psalm 123:2

No longer slaves!

The psalmist draws on two similes from life at the time; slavery was well-known in the culture, but it was not like the violent, callous treatment of black slaves that polluted our world in more recent centuries. There were strict rules about servants and slaves amongst the Hebrews, some of these are set out in Exodus 21:1-11. No doubt, there were slaves and servants who were badly treated but in general, they were well cared for, and many developed an affection for the masters or mistresses and voluntarily stayed in service. They looked up to their owners for protection and provision, and in many cases, it was an honour to represent the family. Slaves had no other means of looking after themselves, they often were grateful to their owners for the security of their employment.

Frankly, our God is so much bigger and greater than any slave master, He is the supreme Being in the universe so employment under Him is about as high up the ladder that any human can go.  This was in the heart of the author; he could look up to his master and be confident that the Lord would show him mercy. We are privileged way beyond this. Because of Christ, we are no longer slaves or servants but members of God’s family, as John puts it, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision of a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13. Let us rejoice today and give thanks for our status and standing in the household of Almighty God. Hallelujah!

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