Psalm 125

Introduction.—Ps. 125 develops the theme that the righteous can be assured of the Lord’s guardianship over them continually. As Jerusalem is secure by its geographical location, so those who trust in God will be secure from the machinations of the wicked. They are safe from all the fiery darts of the enemy.

On the superscription see Introduction to Ps. 120; also pp. 625, 627.

1. Mount Zion. See on Ps. 48:2.

2. Round about Jerusalem. Jerusalem was uniquely situated on a mountain ridge (see on Ps. 48:2), separated from the surrounding hills by the Kidron Valley to the east, the Valley of Hinnom to the south, and the ancient city by the Tyropoeon Valley to the west. The surrounding hills were generally higher. The Mt. of Olives, for example, reaches an altitude of about 2,723 ft. at its highest point as compared with an altitude of about 2,470 ft. for the highest point of the ancient city.

Round about his people. As this girdle of mountains encircles the city, so the ever-widening circle of God’s love surrounds His people. That circle keeps them within His fold, and also keeps those who would do harm from entering in.

3. Rod of the wicked. The heathen scepter. The righteous will not continue to be dominated by the wicked, lest prolonged oppression and continual association with evil men lead Israel to adopt some of their evil ways.

5. Peace. In contrast with the confusion and unrest in which the wicked find themselves, the righteous experience peace (see Ps. 122:6–8).

Ellen G. White comments

1, 2 PP 538

1–3AA 86