Psalm 125:1-5

Those Who Trust

Read the passage

1A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.

2As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.

3For the scepter of the wicked will not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous will not put forth their hands to injustice.

4Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to the upright in heart.

5But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved and remains forever. As mountains surround Jerusalem, the LORD surrounds His people now and forever. The image is of protection close enough to encircle a city.

The scepter of the wicked will not rest on the land of the righteous, so that the righteous will not use their hands for wrongdoing. The prayer asks God to do good to those who are good and upright in heart, while the crooked are led away with evildoers.

Peace is requested for Israel. The psalm promises surrounding care, not a world without oppression; its hope is that wicked rule will not become permanent.

Questions

1 What are those who trust like?

AnswerThey are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved and endures forever.

2 How does God surround them?

AnswerHe surrounds them as mountains surround Jerusalem, now and forever.

3 Why should wicked rule be limited?

AnswerIt should be limited so righteous people are not pressured into using their hands for wrongdoing.

4 What does the psalm request?

AnswerIt requests good for the upright and peace for Israel.

What This Means for Us

Living under dishonest leadership can tempt people to become dishonest themselves. The psalm asks God to limit wicked rule so His people will not turn their own hands to injustice. Pray for that protection when doing right appears costly.

The LORD surrounds His people, and He also warns those who turn to crooked ways. Trust His care while refusing the lie, bribe, or unfair advantage that others may expect you to accept.

Prayer

LORD, surround people living under oppressive power. Protect their bodies and consciences, give them safe choices, and bring peace to communities where wicked rule has lasted too long. Amen.

Your reading

Keep your place.

Save this passage to your private reading history.