Psalms 125:2

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

As the mountains {H2022} are round about {H5439} Jerusalem {H3389}, so the LORD {H3068} is round about {H5439} his people {H5971} from henceforth even for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Yerushalayim! Mountains all around it! Thus ADONAI is around his people henceforth and forever.

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

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So Jehovah is round about his people From this time forth and for evermore.

Commentary

Psalm 125:2 offers a vivid and comforting image of God's unwavering protection over His people, drawing a powerful analogy from the physical geography of Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is part of the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims as they journeyed up to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. Jerusalem itself is famously situated among hills and valleys, naturally protected by surrounding mountains like the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion. This geological reality served as a tangible symbol of security and divine oversight for the ancient Israelites, emphasizing the city's natural defenses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Security: The primary message is God's absolute and enduring security for those who trust Him. Just as the mountains form an impenetrable barrier around Jerusalem, so the Lord's presence encompasses and guards His faithful.
  • God's Constant Presence: The phrase "round about his people" emphasizes God's intimate and active involvement in the lives of believers, not as a distant deity, but as a close protector. This echoes other promises of divine presence, such as Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee."
  • Everlasting Protection: The phrase "from henceforth even for ever" highlights the perpetual nature of God's care. His protection is not temporary or conditional, but eternal, providing constant reassurance through all generations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "round about," saviv (Χ‘ΦΈΧ‘Φ΄Χ™Χ‘), conveys a sense of being completely surrounded and encompassed. This isn't just a casual presence but a comprehensive, protective encirclement. Similarly, "for ever," 'ad 'olam (Χ’Φ·Χ“ Χ’Χ•ΦΉΧœΦΈΧ), emphasizes an enduring, perpetual state, reinforcing the permanence of God's covenant loyalty and unwavering care.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 125:2 serves as a profound source of comfort and encouragement. In a world full of uncertainties and challenges, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in earthly defenses or human strength, but in the unfailing presence and power of God. It encourages us to place our trust fully in Him, knowing that He is our constant refuge and strength, just as He promises in Psalm 46:1. This divine assurance fosters peace and confidence, enabling us to face life's trials with faith in God's everlasting protection.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 121:8 (16 votes)

    The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

  • Zechariah 2:5 (16 votes)

    For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

  • Isaiah 4:5 (15 votes)

    And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory [shall be] a defence.

  • John 10:28 (13 votes)

    And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

  • John 10:29 (13 votes)

    My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

  • Deuteronomy 33:27 (13 votes)

    The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them].

  • Psalms 34:7 (12 votes)

    The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.