Psalms – Chapter 123

Old Testament8 Verses

1A gradual canticle. If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say:

2If it had not been that the Lord was with us, When men rose up against us,

3Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive. When their fury was enkindled against us,

4Perhaps the waters had swallowed us up.

5Our soul hath passed through a torrent: perhaps our soul had passed through a water insupportable.

6Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us to be a prey to their teeth.

7Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken, and we are delivered.

8Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Reflection for Today

The late section of Psalms—Chapter 123 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights Mary and the communion of saints, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 2632).

Let Psalms Chapter 123 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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