Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights the active, attentive posture of dependence. It's not just passive waiting, but an intense watchfulness, like a servant scanning their master's hand for any signal of command, provision, or protection. Our waiting on God is meant to be this engaged, expecting His "hand" to move in mercy for us.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is born out of intense suffering and oppression, likely from surrounding nations or even within their own society, where the people of God are mocked and scorned. The psalmist paints a picture of total dependence, comparing their desperate need for God's intervention to how household servants intently watch their master's hand for direction, provision, or even correction. This humble posture of waiting is their only recourse until God chooses to show them mercy and deliver them from their distress.
The image of servants looking to their master's 'hand' is more than just about watching for orders. It speaks to the source of all provision, protection, and direction.
In ancient households, the master's hand was the visible sign of their authority and the conduit for everything the servants needed. It could signal a command, offer provision, or even deliver discipline.
The Master's Hand:
When the Psalmist says, 'as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,' they are painting a picture of total reliance. They aren't just passively waiting; they are actively watching for the manifestation of their master's power and will. This is the posture we are called to adopt towards God.
It's not just about looking; it's about we look. The comparison to servants reveals a specific kind of attentiveness rooted in deep need and hope.
Ask a follow-up
The imagery here is of a servant who is completely dependent on their master. Their gaze is fixed, not idly, but with intense expectation, seeking any subtle signal or movement.
The Intensity of the Gaze:
This posture mirrors our relationship with God. We are His 'household,' and when we feel oppressed or in distress, our eyes turn to Him with this same focused, hopeful expectation, waiting for His mercy to be revealed.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Those who serve, obey, or are subject to the will of another. In a biblical context, it describes the posture of humility, dependence, and submission to God's authority.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh) revealed to His people. It signifies His eternal self-existence, faithfulness, and the personal relationship He maintains with Israel.
chanan · Hebrew Verb
God’s compassionate, unmerited favor toward those in distress or sin. It is an appeal to His covenantal kindness and desire to help those who are helpless and suffering.
This passage echoes the servant-master dynamic, highlighting servants eagerly awaiting their master's return, much like the Psalmist's waiting for God's mercy. It emphasizes watchful anticipation and readiness to serve.
1 Samuel 26:19David, in a moment of profound trust and humility, asks if he has been provoked against the Lord by his enemies, likening himself to someone whose 'cause is in the hand of the Lord.' This reflects the Psalmist's surrender to God's sovereign hand for justice and mercy.
Isaiah 30:18This verse speaks of God waiting to be gracious and being exalted when He shows mercy, directly linking God's compassionate action to the people's persistent waiting. It mirrors the Psalmist's plea that God will have mercy upon them 'until' He does.
Matthew 6:10The Lord's Prayer includes the petition 'Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.' This aligns with the posture of dependence in Psalm 123, where followers look to God's hand for His will and timing to be enacted.
Psalm 25:15This verse states, 'My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.' It shares the theme of sustained, hopeful gaze directed at God for deliverance from danger, paralleling the servant's watchful eyes in Psalm 123.
cambridgePsalms 123:2: "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us."
2 . Behold, as the eyes of servants (look) unto the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid (look) unto the hand of her mistress, So our eyes (look) unto Jehovah our God, until he be gracious unto us. As the servants or slaves of a household are dependent on the master and mi…
poolePsalms 123:2: "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us."
Look unto the hand of their masters; either, 1. For supply of their wants, which comes from their masters’ hand; or, 2. For pity, the hand being the instrument whereby masters commonly correct their servants, and looking to the hand may express the posture of one supplicating for…
This verse highlights the active, attentive posture of dependence. It's not just passive waiting, but an intense watchfulness, like a servant scanning their master's hand for any signal of command, provision, or protection. Our waiting on God is meant to be this engaged, expecting His "hand" to move in mercy for us.
This psalm is born out of intense suffering and oppression, likely from surrounding nations or even within their own society, where the people of God are mocked and scorned. The psalmist paints a picture of total dependence, comparing their desperate need for God's intervention to how household servants intently watch their master's hand for direction, provision, or even correction. This humble posture of waiting is their only recourse until God chooses to show them mercy and deliver them from their distress.
This psalm is born out of intense suffering and oppression, likely from surrounding nations or even within their own society, where the people of God are mocked and scorned. The psalmist paints a picture of total dependence, comparing their desperate need for God's intervention to how household servants intently watch their master's hand for direction, provision, or even correction. This humble posture of waiting is their only recourse until God chooses to show them mercy and deliver them from their distress.
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us." — This verse highlights the active, attentive posture of dependence. It's not just passive waiting, but an intense watchfulness, like a servant scanning their master's hand for any signal of command,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026