AS THE MOUNTAINS SURROUND JERUSALEM

Psalm 125:1-5 / Keywords 125:2

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

 

Psalm 125

A song of ascents.

1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

    which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

    so the Lord surrounds his people

    both now and forevermore.

3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain

    over the land allotted to the righteous,

for then the righteous might use

    their hands to do evil.

4 Lord, do good to those who are good,

    to those who are upright in heart.

5 But those who turn to crooked ways

    the Lord will banish with the evildoers.

Peace be on Israel.

1. Like Mount Zion (1-2). Mount Zion was a high hill, an impregnable fortress in the city of Jerusalem. David captured the city in 1000 B.C. and made it his capital. He put the ark there. Sometimes the whole city is called "Mount Zion," sometimes only the temple area. It was called the dwelling place of God. It was the destination of pilgrims. God surrounds and protects his people as the mountains surround Jerusalem. Those who trust in the Lord become stable and strong like the stronghold of Zion.

 

2. The scepter of the wicked (3-5). When people are under an evil ruler, even the good they try to do becomes evil. When we are not under the righteous rule of God, then we are in Satan's kingdom, for he is the prince of this world. But when God's kingdom comes into our hearts, the scepter of Satan is broken. When God's kingdom comes, evildoers are banished and God's peace and righteousness reign.

 

Prayer Lord, I call on your name. You are my security and my fortress. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth.

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