Psalm 124


Psalm 124 is the 124th psalm of the biblical Book of Psalms. In the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 123 in a slightly different numbering system. It is one of fifteen psalms that begin with the words "A song of ascents".

Uses

Judaism

The psalm is recited following Mincha between Sukkot and Shabbat Hagadol.

Lutheranism

In 1524, the psalm was paraphrased in German by the Protestant reformers Justus Jonas and Martin Luther. Jonas wrote "Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält", Luther "Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit".

Catholic Church

According to the rule of St Benedict around 530AD, this psalm was traditionally performed for the office of sextet from Tuesday to Saturday. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Psalm 124 is currently recited at the Vespers of the Monday of the third week.
It also is the source of the ubiquitous versicle ℣: Our help is in the name of the Lord ℟: who created Heaven and Earth, especially used for introductions of any sort, which is the psalm's verse 8.

Music

In 1694, Michel-Richard de Lalande composed a motet with regard to this psalm, for the services of Louis XIV, in the royal chapel of the Chateau of Versailles.