Bible Verse:What does Psalm chapter 125 mean?
Chapter Context
At times, Israel struggled under the domination of foreign powers. These included eras of Babylonian captivity (2 Chronicles 26:17–21; Ezra 2:1) as well as post-exile occupation by Greece and Rome. This psalm may have been written in response to some of this history. Fifteen psalms (Psalms 120—134), including this one, were labeled songs "of ascent" and used by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16).
What does Psalm chapter 125 mean?
Israelites were required to attend three annual festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Those traveling to Jerusalem for the feasts came to use a set of psalms to mark the journey (Psalm 120—134). Some of these may have been inspired by Israel's experiences with hostile, oppressive foreign nations. This psalm encourages Israel to trust in God rather than to despair or follow the pagan wickedness of an ungodly culture.
The psalm begins with a declaration that trusting God makes a person as immovable as a mountain. Zion was a rocky stronghold captured by David which became the city of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). Following the Lord's will always leads the believer to the right path (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sincere trust in God means knowing that He can overcome any enemy, so we only need to rely on Him (2 Kings 6:15–17).
Protection and assurance have both spiritual and physical dimensions. "The scepter of wickedness" can refer to the pagan governments which surrounded Israel. Or it may mean the overwhelming influence of evil in the world (Matthew 4:8–9; 2 Corinthians 4:4). God allowed Israel to suffer many earthly hardships (2 Chronicles 36:17–21). Yet he preserved the nation and brought them back to their homeland (Ezra 2:1). God does not protect His people from every possible instance of harm (John 16:33), but nothing can prevent the eternal victory (1 Corinthians 15:57; Revelation 21:4) we have in Christ. The physical lands of Israel, as well, will someday be permanently freed (Revelation 20:4) from ungodly rule (Psalm 125:1–3).
To close the song, the psalmist prays that the Lord would bless those who obey Him and honor His will. This does not mean those who are morally perfect (Romans 3:23). It refers to those who recognize God's authority and seek to obey, even if they sometimes stumble. When that happens, He is ready and willing to forgive (1 John 1:8–10; Hebrews 4:16). However, anyone who leaves the path of God's will and follows the wicked world can expect consequences (Proverbs 3:5–8; 8:35–36; 14:12; 1 Timothy 5:6). At the very least, this means the natural earthly outcomes of sin. At worst, it is evidence that those persons are not truly believers, at all (Matthew 7:13–14, 21). The final call in this psalm is for peace (Psalm 122:6) on behalf of the people and lands of Israel (Psalm 125:4–5).
