Psalm 125
The Protection of Israel When Trusting In Jehovah
The Protection of Israel When Trusting In Jehovah
Psalm 125. In this “song of degrees” or “the ascents”, we have Israel recounting the protection afforded them by Jehovah in whom they trusted. At this time the Lord is in Jerusalem. We find that there are two parts of Israel in this Psalm, the faithful who confide in Jehovah, and whose who turn aside and join the workers of iniquity.
PSALM 125
A Song of degrees.
1 They that confide in Jehovah are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved; it abideth for ever.
2 Jerusalem! — mountains are round about her, and Jehovah is round about his people, from henceforth and for evermore.
3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
vv.1-3 The Protection of Israel in Zion. Zion and those who confide in Jehovah enjoy the protection of Jehovah forever. The power of the enemy, “the sceptre of wickedness”, will not rest on the inheritance of the righteous. Prophetically, this alludes to the covetous desire of Gog and Magog for the land of Israel (Ezek. 38:10-12).
4 Do good, O Jehovah, unto the 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!
vv.4-5 Two Parts of Israel. We find here that there are two parts to the returning tribes. First, there are the “upright in their hearts”, those of faithful who enter the land and enjoy the protection of Jehovah (Matt. 24:31). It would seem that the enemy in this Psalm is the confederacy of Gog and Magog, and that those who “turn aside unto their crooked ways” are the proud (Zeph. 3:11) and the rebellious (Ezek. 20:38) of the ten tribes, called the “vine of the earth” (Rev. 14:19), which will be caught up in the vortex of judgment along with Gog and Magog, and judged in the winepress judgment. This Psalm is followed by Psalm 126, which gives the full restoration of Israel in their land, precipitated by “Peace be upon Israel!”.