Definition: Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 123:3 – it’s a really powerful and poignant verse. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially begging God to show compassion and understanding to us. It’s a plea for forgiveness and relief from feeling deeply resentful or angry at Him. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Psalm 123” : This refers to a specific section of the Bible – a hymn or prayer written by David, a shepherd king. It's often considered one of the most important prayers in the Old Testament. “Have mercy upon us” : This is the core request. It means God should show compassion and forgiveness towards us. It’s not about giving us something – it’s about understanding our feelings and letting go of the anger or resentment we have. “O LORD” : This is a respectful address to God, showing reverence. “Have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.” This is the crucial part. “Exceedingly filled with contempt” means we feel deeply angry, bitter, and resentful towards God – almost like we’re actively hating him. Putting it all together: David is writing this verse when he feels incredibly angry at God. He's admitting to a deep feeling of bitterness and resentment. He’s asking for a mercy – forgiveness – from God because of his own feelings. It's a moment of raw emotion, where we recognize the intensity of our negative attitude towards him. What does it mean practically? This verse is about acknowledging our inner struggles with anger and bitterness. It encourages us to: Take a step back: Recognize that you are feeling angry and resentful. Pray for forgiveness: Ask God to forgive you, not because you deserve it, but because He is good and loving. Seek His perspective: Try to see things from God’s point of view – perhaps there's a reason behind our anger, or maybe we need to change our attitude. In short, it’s a reminder that God loves us even when we don't love Him back. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like forgiveness)? Give you some examples of how to respond to feelings like this?