Christianity

Psalms 125As the Mountains Round About Jerusalem

Summary

Psalm 125, a Song of Ascents, compares those who trust in the LORD to Mount Zion, which cannot be removed but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people. The psalmist trusts that the rod of the wicked will not rest on the land of the righteous, lest the righteous turn to evil, and he prays for good to the upright while those who turn aside to crooked ways are led away. It ends, peace shall be upon Israel.

Key verse

“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.”

Psalms 125:2

Themes

Stability of Trust
God's Encircling Protection
Righteousness
Peace upon Israel

They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.

Across traditions

Christianity
Zechariah 2: A Wall of Fire
Zechariah 2:5 promises that God will be a wall of fire round about Jerusalem, another picture of God himself surrounding and protecting the city.
Christianity
Isaiah 26: Perfect Peace
Isaiah 26:3 to 4 promises perfect peace to the one whose mind is stayed on God and calls him everlasting strength, sharing Psalm 125's link between trust and steadiness.

Questions about Psalms 125

What does 'they that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion' mean?

Psalm 125:1 compares believers to the mountain on which the temple stood, firm and immovable. Their security rests not on circumstances but on the God who surrounds them.

Why does Psalm 125 mention the rod of the wicked?

Psalm 125:3 promises that the rod, or scepter, of the wicked will not stay on the land allotted to the righteous. The concern is that long oppression might tempt the righteous to put forth their hands to iniquity.