Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The intensity of "exceedingly filled" suggests contempt isn't just an occasional insult, but has become like the very food they're forced to consume, leaving them utterly sated to the point of loathing. This isn't just about feeling scorned; it's about the soul being overwhelmed, as if by a relentless, saturating force.
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with the image of servants looking to their masters for direction and provision, setting a tone of humble dependence. The psalm then shifts to a desperate plea for God's mercy, revealing that the reason for this urgent cry is the unbearable contempt they've endured from their oppressors. The verses immediately following (4-6) will describe the overwhelming scorn and arrogance directed at them, emphasizing their powerlessness.
Ever felt like the world just can't stand you? This psalm describes a pain so deep, it feels like it's become your very sustenance.
The phrase "exceedingly filled with contempt" paints a vivid picture. It's not just a fleeting insult; it's a constant barrage, so overwhelming it's like being "sated" or "crammed" with it.
Imagine a meal where every bite is bitter, every flavor is mockery. That's the experience here. The people of God are not just experiencing hardship; they're being despised for their faith, their circumstances, or both. This contempt is the 'daily food' they can no longer stomach, a profound spiritual and emotional suffering.
This isn't just about external enemies; it's about the deep wound that comes when those who should offer grace instead heap scorn.
When you're drowning in disdain, where do you turn? This psalm's answer is simple, urgent, and repeated.
The cry, "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us," isn't just a polite request; it's a desperate plea born from unbearable suffering.
Why the repetition? It highlights the sheer depth of their need. When contempt has become your daily bread, earthly solutions fail. You can't reason with it, ignore it, or overcome it on your own.
Mercy is the only thing that can counter such profound disrespect and pain. It's not about getting what they deserve (which is judgment), but about receiving what they desperately need – grace, relief, and vindication from God Himself. Their only hope lies in God's compassionate intervention.
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Understand the original words
buz · Hebrew Noun
A state of being despised, shamed, or treated with disdain. Biblically, it often refers to the unjust mistreatment or rejection experienced by the righteous at the hands of the arrogant.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The inner life of a person, including the emotions, desires, and the very seat of one's being. It is the core of the human personality that longs for and communicates with God.
la'ag · Hebrew Noun
Derision or mocking disrespect. It highlights the arrogant attitude of those who look down upon others, often implying a challenge to the sufferer's faith or standing.
ge'eh · Hebrew Adjective
Characterized by self-sufficiency, arrogance, and a lack of fear of God. It describes those who feel secure in their own power or status, often leading them to treat others with hostility.
This psalm likely arose during the challenging post-exilic period, when the returning Jewish community, though free from literal chains, faced constant scorn and oppression from their neighbors. The repeated plea for mercy highlights their deep suffering and their unwavering reliance on God amidst overwhelming contempt.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Following Nebuchadnezzar's conquest, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the First Temple was razed. Many Judeans were exiled to Babylon, leaving a remnant in the land.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Decree and Return from Exile
King Cyrus of Persia allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked a new era of rebuilding and re-establishment.
c. 458-430 BC— this verse
Ezra and Nehemiah's Reforms and Rebuilding
Ezra and Nehemiah led further waves of returnees, focusing on religious and social reforms, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This period was marked by opposition from surrounding peoples.
Post-Exilic Period
Ongoing Foreign Rule and Local Opposition
After returning from exile, the Jewish people remained under foreign empires (Persian, Greek, Roman), often facing scorn and obstruction from neighboring peoples and ruling powers.
This passage echoes the profound sense of suffering and enduring humiliation described in Psalms 123, where the prophet speaks of enduring hardship and insult.
Luke 18:9-14Jesus tells a parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector praying; the tax collector's humble cry for mercy, contrasted with the Pharisee's self-righteousness, highlights the posture of dependence and need for divine grace expressed in Psalms 123.
Isaiah 53:3This verse describes the Suffering Servant as 'despised and rejected by men,' a profound parallel to the 'contempt' faced by the psalmist and God's people, underscoring the cost of bearing our shame.
2 Corinthians 10:10The Apostle Paul mentions that some critics found his letters 'weighty and strong,' but his 'speech contemptible,' reflecting the very experience of being scorned despite divine authority and purpose.
Romans 8:35-37This passage powerfully asserts that no tribulation, distress, or contempt can separate believers from the love of God in Christ, offering a strong theological counterpoint to the psalmist's immediate suffering.
ellicottPsalms 123:3: "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt."
(3) Exceedingly filled. —Or, sated more than enough.
clarkePsalms 123:3: "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt."
Have mercy upon us, O Lord - Chastise us no more; we will no more revolt against thee. We are exceedingly filled with contempt - We not only suffer grievously from our captivity, but are treated in the most contemptuous maner by our masters.
The intensity of "exceedingly filled" suggests contempt isn't just an occasional insult, but has become like the very food they're forced to consume, leaving them utterly sated to the point of loathing. This isn't just about feeling scorned; it's about the soul being overwhelmed, as if by a relentless, saturating force.
This psalm opens with the image of servants looking to their masters for direction and provision, setting a tone of humble dependence. The psalm then shifts to a desperate plea for God's mercy, revealing that the reason for this urgent cry is the unbearable contempt they've endured from their oppressors. The verses immediately following (4-6) will describe the overwhelming scorn and arrogance directed at them, emphasizing their powerlessness.
This psalm opens with the image of servants looking to their masters for direction and provision, setting a tone of humble dependence. The psalm then shifts to a desperate plea for God's mercy, revealing that the reason for this urgent cry is the unbearable contempt they've endured from their oppressors. The verses immediately following (4-6) will describe the overwhelming scorn and arrogance directed at them, emphasizing their powerlessness.
"Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud." — The intensity of "exceedingly filled" suggests contempt isn't just an occasional insult, but has become like the very food they're forced to consume, leaving them utterly sated to the point of loathi…
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Last reviewed October 2026