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Psalms 125

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The Permanent Security of the Faithful 1–3

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. ​

The Restraint of the Wicked 4–5

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. ​

Bible text: American Standard Version (1901) · Public domain

Study Notes for Psalms 125

Verse 1

as mount Zion — Batach is to trust, literally to rest one's weight on something. Those who do so are likened to the hill on which Jerusalem stands, which 'cannot be removed' (mot, to totter, the word of Ps 121:3). The same promise made to the one who 'trusteth in the LORD' is given by Jeremiah as a tree by the waters (Jer 17:7–8).

Verse 2

round about his people — Sabib, 'round about', is said twice in the verse, once of the mountains and once of the LORD. The hills around Jerusalem become the picture of his presence, as in 'I… will be unto her a wall of fire round about' (Zech 2:5) and 'The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him' (Ps 34:7).

Verse 3

the rod of the wicked — Shebet is the ruler's rod or sceptre. 'Lot' (goral) is the portion given to a tribe, as in 'the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah' (Josh 15:1), so the land itself is meant. The rod is not to rest there for good; Isaiah records the end of one: 'The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked' (Isa 14:5).

Verse 4

Do good, O LORD — The verb and the adjective come from one root, tov: let the LORD do good to the good. 'Upright' (yashar) is straight, and 'in their hearts' places the straightness within. The psalm turns here from what the LORD is to what he is asked to do, in the manner of 'Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion' (Ps 51:18).

Verse 5

turn aside unto their crooked ways — Aqalqal, winding, a twisting path, occurs only here and in Judges 5:6, 'the travellers walked through byways'. Those who leave the straight way are led off 'with the workers of iniquity', while 'peace shall be upon Israel' (shalom), the same words closing Ps 128:6. Paul prays peace on 'the Israel of God' (Gal 6:16).