This song was written by David and sung by the travelers to Jerusalem as they climbed up towards the city.
Version 1: escape from persecution
Note – this psalm was clearly a celebration of the exodus when the Lord freed the children of Israel from slavery. I have not experienced that type of persecution but given that it is common in the modern world I have attempted to rewrite the psalm in that mode.
- What would have happened had the Lord not been with us?
- What would have happened had the Lord not been with us when our lives and freedom hung in the balance?
- In their fierce anger they would have overwhelmed and destroyed us.
- We would have been completely at their mercy and open to anything they wanted to do.
- Their deep hatred would have seen the complete destruction of everything we are and have.
- But you, Lord, were with us – you did not let them get to us.
- We saw a way out and made our escape. Their ambush failed and we are free.
- Lord, you made all that can be seen as well as what cannot be seen, and you give us all the protection we need.
© 2021 Andrew W. Kearns All Rights Reserved