Psalms125
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1 They that trust in Jehovah Are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever.
2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So Jehovah is round about his people From this time forth and for evermore.
3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity.
4 Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts.
5 But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel.
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Psalms 125Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 125. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The security of the righteous. (1–3). Prayer for them, The ruin of the wicked. (4, 5).
vv1-3
All those minds shall be truly stayed, that are stayed on God. They shall be as Mount Zion, firm as it is; a mountain supported by providence, much more as a holy mountain supported by promise. They cannot be removed from confidence in God. They abide for ever in that grace which is the earnest of their everlasting continuance in glory. Committing themselves to God, they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may moulder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them cease. Their troubles shall last no longer than their strength will bear them up under them. The rod of the wicked may come, may fall upon the righteous, upon their persons, their estates, their liberties, their families names, on any thing that falls to their lot; only it cannot reach their souls. And though it may come upon their lot, it shall not rest thereon. The Lord will make all work together for their good. The wicked shall only prove a correcting rod, not a destroying sword; even this rod shall not remain upon them, lest they distrust the promise, thinking God has cast them off.
vv4-5
God's promises should quicken our prayers. The way of holiness is straight; there are no windings or shiftings in it. But the ways of sinners are crooked. They shift from one purpose to another, and turn hither and thither to deceive; but disappointment and misery shall befal them. Those who cleave to the ways of God, though they may have trouble in their way, their end shall be peace. The pleading of their Saviour for them, secures to them the upholding power and preserving grace of their God. Lord, number us with them, in time, and to eternity.
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
בָּטַח: figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
הַר: a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
צִיּוֹן: Tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of Jerusalem
לֹא: not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מוֹט: to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
יָשַׁב: properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עוֹלָם: properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always
סָבִיב: (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Cross References
Psalms 125God limits trial and temptation so that His people will not fall into apostasy or despair.
Supported by JFB
The Lord Himself serves as a wall of fire surrounding His protected people.
Supported by John Calvin
The apostolic pronouncement of peace upon 'the Israel of God', distinguishing true faith from outward descent.
Supported by JFB
The danger of being driven by extreme distress to 'put forth hands' to sin.
Supported by Matthew Poole
God as the savior of the 'upright in heart,' reinforcing the identical description in verse 4.
Supported by JFB
Zion as the city of God that cannot be moved, mirroring her spiritual stability.
Supported by JFB
The Lord withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts the straight paths of righteousness with the 'crooked ways' of the devious.
Supported by Matthew Henry