Psalms 125

Ps 125:1-5.

God honors the confidence of His people, by protection and deliverance,

and leaves hypocrites to the doom of the wicked.

1, 2. Mount Zion--as an emblem of permanence, and locality of Jerusalem

as one of security, represent the firm and protected condition of God's

people (compare

Ps 46:5),

supported not only by Providence, but by covenant promise. Even the

mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but God's kindness

shall not depart, nor His covenant of peace be removed

(Isa 54:10).

They that trust--are "His people,"

(Ps 125:2).

3. Though God may leave them for a time under the "rod," or power

(Ps 2:9),

and oppression of the wicked for a time, as a chastisement, He will not

suffer them to be tempted so as to fall into sin

(1Co 10:13).

The wicked shall only prove a correcting rod to them, not a destroying

sword; even this rod shall not remain ("rest") on them, lest

they be tempted to despair and apostasy

(Ps 73:13, 14).

God may even try His people to the uttermost: when nothing is before our

eyes but pure despair, then He delivers us and gives life in death, and

makes us blessed in the curse

(2Co 1:8, 9)

[LUTHER].

the lot--the possession, literally, "Canaan," spiritually, the heavenly

inheritance of holiness and bliss which is appointed to the righteous.

Sin's dominion shall not permanently come between the believer and his

inheritance.

4. (Compare

Ps 7:10; 84:11).

5. Those who turn aside (under temptation) permanently show that

they are hypocrites, and their lot or portion shall be with the wicked

(Ps 28:3).

crooked ways--(Compare

De 9:16;

Mal 2:8, 9).

their--is emphatic; the "crooked ways" proceed from their own hearts. The true Israel is here distinguished from the false. Scripture

everywhere opposes the Jewish delusion that mere outward descent would

save

(Ro 2:28, 29; 9:6, 7;

Ga 6:16).

The byways of sin from the way of life.