Psalm 124:7

Psalm 124:7

The snare has been broken and we have escaped

According to the books of Ezra–Nehemiah, after 70 years in captivity to the Babylonian Empire, in 538 BC the Jews in Babylon were allowed to return to the Land of Judah, due to Cyrus’s decree. Cyrus was the King of Persia, and the Persian Empire now superseded the Babylonians. After establishing his empire, King Cyrus allowed all subjects to participate in governance. He borrowed the good deeds of other cultures, and some say that this was a sign of his commitment to diversity through culture! What is abundantly clear is that He set the Jews free from their Babylonian Captivity that had taken place all those decades before. Many commentators believe that these events are what are being referred to here although if that is true, this Psalm could not have been written by David who died in around 970 BC! 

Let’s stay with David but take note that even though God works in mysterious ways, there is always an underlying thread, in this case it is that whenever Israel disobeyed or rebelled against the Lord there were consequences! However, His heart always relented, and He rescued His people and re-established them back in their land. Just as He is doing right now! David experienced numerous close shaves with enemy forces, but he also went through heart-breaking divisions in his own family. This was never more hurtful than when his son Absolom deviously staged a coup and took over the land. David was exiled with his men, only to later grieve for the death of his dearly loved son who had acted outside the will and purpose of God for Judah. 

Have there been times in our own experience when we looked to be doomed, when disaster threatened, be it economic, through sickness or broken relationships? Later we look back and having survived we can say, “The snare has been broken, and we have escaped.” May it always be so for all of us. Hallelujah! 

 

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