Psalms 124:3

3 (123-3) Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive. When their fury was enkindled against us,

Psalms 124:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 124:3

Then they had swallowed us up quick
Or "alive"; as the earth swallowed up Korah and his company; or as the fish swallowed up Jonah; or rather as ravenous beasts swallow their prey; to which the allusion is. The people of God are comparable to sheep and lambs, and such like innocent creatures: and the wicked to lions, tigers, wolves, bears, and such like beasts of prey that devour living creatures;

when their wrath was kindled against us;
which is cruel and outrageous; there is no standing against it, nor before it; it is like a fierce flame of fire that burns furiously, and there is no stopping it; none but God can restrain it.

Psalms 124:3 In-Context

1 (123-1) <A gradual canticle.> If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say:

2 (123-2) If it had not been that the Lord was with us, When men rose up against us,

3 (123-3) Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive. When their fury was enkindled against us,

4 (123-4) Perhaps the waters had swallowed us up.

5 (123-5) Our soul hath passed through a torrent: perhaps our soul had passed through a water insupportable.