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" (Shir Hama'alot).
Psalm 124 | |
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Psalm 124 in the Erfurt Enchiridion | |
Book | Book of Psalms |
Hebrew Bible part | Ketuvim |
Order in the Hebrew part | 1 |
Category | Sifrei Emet |
Christian Bible part | Old Testament |
Order in the Christian part | 19 |
Uses
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.[2] In the Liturgy of the Hours, Psalm 124 is currently recited at the Vespers of the Monday of the third week.[3]
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 (S. 42), for the services of Louis XIV, in the royal chapel of the Chateau of Versailles.
References
- The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 530
- Rule of Saint Benedict, translation of Prosper Gueranger, (Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, reprint 2007)p. 46.
- The main cycle of liturgical prayers takes place over four weeks.
External links
Wikisource has original text related to this article: |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Psalm 124. |
- Pieces with text from Psalm 124: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)
- Psalm 124: Free scores at the Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
- Text of Psalm 124 according to the 1928 Psalter
- Psalms Chapter 124 text in Hebrew and English, mechon-mamre.org
- A song of ascents. Of David. Had not the LORD been with us, let Israel say. text and footnotes, usccb.org Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Psalm 124:1 introduction and text, biblestudytools.com
- Psalm 124 – Thanking God for the Help Only He Can Bring enduringword.com
- Psalm 124 / Refrain: Our help is in the name of the Lord. Church of England
- Psalm 124 at biblegateway.com
- Hymns for Psalm 124 hymnary.org