Psalms 125

A song of ascents

125:Title See Ps 120. Apparently at this time the throne at Jerusalem was in the hands of evil men (v 3). But he expresses confidence that believers will be secure (vs 1,2), and that the unrighteous reign will pass away (v 3). The psalm closes with a prayer and a prophecy (vs 4,5).⚜

Those who trust in the LORD

are like

mount Zion,

which cannot be shaken,

but remains forever.

125:1 Those who trust in the Lord are called the righteous in v 3, and good and upright in v 4. Righteousness, goodness, and uprightness are fruits of true faith in God.⚜

2 As the mountains

are around Jerusalem,

so the LORD is around

his people

from this time on and forever.

125:2 Jerusalem is in a mountainous area and hills surround it. So God Himself is around believers as a shield, a refuge, a living presence, and He will never leave them (Ps 32:10; Deut 33:27; John 10:28; 17:15; Jude 1).⚜

3 For the sceptre of the wicked

will not rest over the allotment

of the righteous,

or else the righteous might

put out their hands to

wickedness.

125:3 See Ps 89:22; Isa 13:11; 14:5-6. God permits unrighteous rulers to be in power for only a time. When the wicked rule, the righteous must be very careful not to fall into evil ways themselves.⚜

4 Do good, O LORD,

to those who do good,

and to those who are

upright in their hearts.

125:4 This prayer is in accordance with God’s revealed way of dealing with people. See Ps 18:25-27.⚜

5 As for those who turn aside

to their crooked ways,

the LORD will cause them

to depart with those

who do evil.

But peace will be

on Israel.