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Psalms 125:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Hans R. Waldvogel
Harmon A. Baldwin
John Gill
T. Austin-SparksJohn Gill
Charles E. Cowman
F.B. MeyerSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The stedfastness which those who trust in Jahve prove in the midst of every kind of temptation and assault is likened to Mount Zion, because the God to whom they believingly cling is He who sits enthroned on Zion. The future ישׁב signifies: He sits and will sit, that is to say, He continues to sit, cf. Psa 9:8; Psa 122:5. Older expositors are of opinion that the heavenly Zion must be understood on account of the Chaldaean and the Roman catastrophes; but these, in fact, only came upon the buildings on the mountain, not upon the mountain itself, which in itself and according to its appointed destiny (vid., Mic 3:12; Mic 4:1) remained unshaken. in Psa 125:2 also it is none other than the earthly Jerusalem that is meant. The holy city has a natural circumvallation of mountains, and the holy nation that dwells and worships therein has a still infinitely higher defence in Jahve, who encompasses it round (vid., on Psa 34:8), as perhaps a wall of fire (Zac 2:5), or an impassably broad and mighty river (Isa 33:21); a statement which is also now confirmed, for, etc. Instead of inferring from the clause Psa 125:2 that which is to be expected with לכן, the poet confirms it with כי by that which is surely to be expected.
John Gill Bible Commentary
They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion,.... Who trust not in themselves, and in their own hearts; nor in anything of theirs, their strength or wisdom, riches or righteousness; nor in any creature whatever, in the mightiest or best of men; but in the Lord; in God, as the God of nature and providence, for all temporal mercies; and in him, as the God of grace, for all spiritual and eternal ones; who should be trusted in at all times, whether of affliction, temptation, or darkness; for which there is abundant reason. The Targum is, "the righteous that trust in the Word of the Lord;'' in Christ the essential Word, who is trusted in by all that know him, and that know there is salvation in him, and in no other: these trust in him for acceptance with God, for a justifying righteousness, for remission of sin, for all supplies of grace, and for eternal life; and such are like Mount Zion for many things, being beloved and chosen of God, enjoying his presence, and the blessings of his grace; and being the joy of the whole earth, and a perfection of beauty; but here for their firmness and stability, as follows. Arama observes, that Mount Zion is made mention of, because here the prophecy was given; to which may be added, the psalmist was upon it, and had it in view, when he compared those that trust in the Lord unto it; which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever: either, which Mount Zion is immovable, and continually abides, for which reason the church and people of God are compared unto it; or everyone of those that trust in the Lord, like that, can never be removed, but always abide: they can never be removed from the Lord, though they may be removed from his house and ordinances, as sometimes David was; and from his gracious presence, and sensible communion with him, and out of the world by death; yet never from his heart's love, nor out of the covenant of his grace, which is sure and everlasting; nor out of his family, into which they are taken; nor from the Lord Jesus Christ, nor out of his hands and arms, nor from off his heart; nor from off him, the foundation on which they are laid; nor out of a state of grace, either regeneration or justification; but such abide in the love of God, in the covenant of his grace, in the hands of his Son, in the grace wherein they stand, and in the house of God for evermore.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here are three very precious promises made to the people of God, which, though they are designed to secure the welfare of the church in general, may be applied by particular believers to themselves, as other promises of this nature may. Here is, I. The character of God's people, to whom these promises belong. Many call themselves God's people who have no part nor lot in this matter. But those shall have the benefit of them and may take the comfort of them, (1.) Who are righteous (Psa 125:3), righteous before God, righteous to God, and righteous to all men, for his sake justified and sanctified. (2.) Who trust in the Lord, who depend upon his care and devote themselves to his honour. All that deal with God must deal upon trust, and he will give comfort to those only that give credit to him, and make it to appear they do so by quitting other confidences, and venturing to the utmost for God. The closer our expectations are confined to God the higher our expectations may be raised from him. II. The promises themselves. 1. That their hearts shall be established by faith: those minds shall be truly stayed that are stayed on God: They shall be as Mount Zion. The church in general is called Mount Zion (Heb 12:22), and it shall in this respect be like Mount Zion, it shall be built upon a rock, and its interests shall be so well secured that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The stability of the church is the satisfaction of all its well-wishers. Particular persons, who trust in God, shall be established (Psa 112:7); their faith shall be their fixation, Isa 7:9. They shall be as Mount Zion, which is firm as it is a mountain supported by providence, much more as a holy mountain supported by promise. (1.) They cannot be removed by the prince of the power of the air, nor by all his subtlety and strength. They cannot be removed from their integrity nor from their confidence in God. (2.) They abide for ever in that grace which is the earnest of their everlasting continuance in glory. 2. That, committing themselves to God, they shall be safe, under his protection, from all the insults of their enemies, as Jerusalem had a natural fastness and fortification in the mountains that were round about it, Psa 125:2. Those mountains not only sheltered it from winds and tempests, and broke the force of them, but made it also very difficult of access for an enemy; such a defence is God's providence to his people. Observe, (1.) The compass of it: The Lord is round about his people on every side. There is no gap in the hedge of protection which he makes round about his people, at which the enemy, who goes about them, seeking to do them a mischief, can find entrance, Job 1:10. (2.) The continuance of it - henceforth even for ever. Mountains may moulder and come to nought, and rocks be removed out of their place (Job 14:18), but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken (Isa 54:10) nor his care of them cease. Their being said to stand fast for ever (Psa 125:1), and here to have God round about them for ever, intimates that the promises of the stability and security of God's people will have their full accomplishment in their everlasting state. In heaven they shall stand fast for ever, shall be as pillars in the temple of our God and go no more out (Rev 3:12), and there God himself, with his glory and favour, will be round about them for ever. 3. That their troubles shall last no longer than their strength will serve to bear them up under them, Psa 125:3. (1.) It is supposed that the rod of the wicked may come, may fall, upon the lot of the righteous. The rod of their power may oppress them; the rod of their anger may vex and torment them. It may fall upon their persons, their estates, their liberties, their families, their names, any thing that falls to their lot, only it cannot reach their souls. (2.) It is promised that, though it may come upon their lot, it shall not rest there; it shall not continue so long as the enemies design, and as the people of God fear, but God will cut the work short in righteousness, so short that even with the temptation he will make a way for them to escape. (3.) It is considered as a reason of this promise that if the trouble should continue over-long the righteous themselves would be in temptation to put forth their hands to iniquity, to join with wicked people in their wicked practices, to say as they say and do as they do. There is danger lest, being long persecuted for their religion, at length they grow weary of it and willing to give it up, lest, being kept long in expectation of promised mercies, they begin to distrust the promise, and to think of casting God off, upon suspicion of his having cast them off. See Psa 73:13, Psa 73:14. Note, God considers the frame of his people, and will proportion their trials to their strength by the care of his providence, as well as their strength to their trials by the power of his grace. Oppression makes a wise man mad, especially if it continue long; therefore for the elect's sake the days shall be shortened, that, whatever becomes of their lot in this world, they may not lose their lot among the chosen.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 125 The psalmist expresses the community’s confidence in the Lord’s protection (125:1-2) and prays for peace (125:3-5).
Psalms 125:1
The LORD Surrounds His People
1Those 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
In Nothing Be Anxious; but in Everything by Prayer
By Hans R. Waldvogel63136:51PrayerGEN 15:12CH 16:9PSA 2:12PSA 20:7PSA 31:19PSA 34:22PSA 37:24PSA 125:1ISA 26:3ISA 40:26MAT 6:33PHP 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from our experiences rather than complaining. He encourages the audience to do all things without murmuring and disputing. The preacher reminds them that nothing can come their way without the appointment of God, who has loved them since before the foundation of the world. He urges them to lift up their eyes and behold the wonders of creation, as a reminder that God has not forgotten them. The sermon also emphasizes the need to trust in God and seek to know Him, as well as the importance of having a heart that is perfect toward Him. The preacher highlights the power of God to fulfill His promises and encourages the audience to have faith in Him.
Causes of Vacillation
By Harmon A. Baldwin0PSA 125:1PRO 16:18ROM 12:121CO 10:12EPH 6:18PHP 3:131TH 5:17JAS 4:71PE 5:6Harmon A. Baldwin preaches about the reasons why people fail to maintain a steady experience in holiness, emphasizing the importance of heart conditions, faith, watchfulness, self-humiliation, resignation, carelessness in outward life, pressing forward, and prayer. He highlights that vacillation in holiness can be caused by lack of faith in God's ability to keep us, failure to watch for spiritual attacks, reluctance to humble oneself, resistance to self-denial, and neglect of earnest prayer in the Spirit.
Of the Perseverance of the Saints.
By John Gill0Perseverance of the SaintsAssurance of SalvationJOB 17:9PSA 94:14PSA 125:1John Gill emphasizes the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, asserting that those who are truly regenerated and called by God will ultimately persevere in grace and be saved eternally. He supports this doctrine with numerous scriptural references, illustrating that God's promises, His immutable nature, and the work of Christ ensure that believers will not fall away. Gill explains that the faithful are kept by God's power and that their salvation is secure through the covenant established by Christ. He addresses potential objections to this doctrine, clarifying that true believers cannot ultimately fall away, as their salvation is rooted in God's unchanging love and faithfulness.
God's Call to the Life Above (Psalm 125:1-2)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual AscentTrust in GodPSA 125:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, unmovable and eternal, encouraging believers to rise above the valleys of life and dwell in the heights where God desires them to be. He illustrates that the journey to the mountains symbolizes a spiritual ascent, where God's people are called to live governed by heavenly realities rather than earthly struggles. The sermon highlights the importance of vision, security, and the upward gravitation of the Christian life, urging believers to seek a higher existence in fellowship with God. Ultimately, Sparks reminds us that our true home is in the heights, and we must not settle in the valleys of despair.
1 John 5:18
By John Gill0Spiritual WarfarePerseverancePSA 125:1JHN 10:28ROM 8:38EPH 6:11PHP 4:72TI 1:12JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 3:91JN 5:18John Gill emphasizes that those who are born of God are regenerated by His Spirit and grace, which empowers them to resist sin and not live under its dominion. He explains that while believers may still sin, they are kept from the sin unto death and are protected by the divine nature within them. Gill highlights the importance of believers actively defending themselves against temptation through faith and the armor of God, assuring that the wicked one cannot ultimately harm them. The sermon reassures believers of their perseverance through God's promises and the protective power of Christ.
Unshaken in Christ
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 46:2PSA 125:1PRO 3:5ACT 20:24REV 3:12Charles E. Cowman preaches on the steadfastness and immovability that comes from having God in the midst of our lives. Drawing inspiration from Psalms 46:2, 3, 5, he emphasizes the possibility of reaching a place where nothing can disturb our peace, just like the Apostle Paul who was unshaken by trials. By allowing God to work in us, we can experience a peace that surpasses understanding, remaining unmovable in the face of life's challenges.
Yet a Little While, and They Are Gone.
By F.B. Meyer0Eternal SecurityTrust in GodJOB 24:24PSA 125:1ISA 26:4MAT 6:19HEB 12:27F.B. Meyer emphasizes the fleeting nature of the wicked's power and the eternal security of the righteous, as illustrated in Job 24:24. He contrasts the fate of the wicked, who face immediate judgment and desolation, with the hope of those who fear God, who are promised an unshakeable kingdom. Meyer urges believers to build their lives on the eternal love of God rather than the temporary comforts of this world. He encourages a shift in focus from past fears and failures to the bright future that awaits in God's presence. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper trust in God's unchanging nature amidst life's uncertainties.
Trusting God (Is He Willing, and Is He Able?)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Trusting GodFaith in God's PromisesPSA 125:1DAN 3:17MAT 24:35LUK 5:12ROM 10:17Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the importance of trusting God, asserting that true faith is believing in God's promises even when we cannot see or feel them. He illustrates that those who trust in the Lord are steadfast like Mount Zion, unshakeable amidst the chaos of the world. Waldvogel encourages believers to recognize God's willingness and ability to heal and deliver, reminding them that faith comes from hearing God's word. He challenges the congregation to step out in faith, relying on God's promises rather than their circumstances or feelings. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His people.
For Friends of Pardsay Meeting, or Elsewhere in Cumberland; to Be Read Among Them, in the Fear of the Lord
By John Banks0PSA 125:1PSA 133:1PRO 17:3JAS 1:121PE 4:16John Banks preaches about the importance of standing firm in God's foundation, dwelling in safety where the enemy cannot reach, and being willing to part with all for the sake of Christ. He encourages believers to endure trials faithfully, holding fast to their integrity and trusting in God's refining work to make them vessels for His use. Banks warns against dishonoring God through insincere actions and urges unity among believers to experience God's blessings and everlasting life.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The stedfastness which those who trust in Jahve prove in the midst of every kind of temptation and assault is likened to Mount Zion, because the God to whom they believingly cling is He who sits enthroned on Zion. The future ישׁב signifies: He sits and will sit, that is to say, He continues to sit, cf. Psa 9:8; Psa 122:5. Older expositors are of opinion that the heavenly Zion must be understood on account of the Chaldaean and the Roman catastrophes; but these, in fact, only came upon the buildings on the mountain, not upon the mountain itself, which in itself and according to its appointed destiny (vid., Mic 3:12; Mic 4:1) remained unshaken. in Psa 125:2 also it is none other than the earthly Jerusalem that is meant. The holy city has a natural circumvallation of mountains, and the holy nation that dwells and worships therein has a still infinitely higher defence in Jahve, who encompasses it round (vid., on Psa 34:8), as perhaps a wall of fire (Zac 2:5), or an impassably broad and mighty river (Isa 33:21); a statement which is also now confirmed, for, etc. Instead of inferring from the clause Psa 125:2 that which is to be expected with לכן, the poet confirms it with כי by that which is surely to be expected.
John Gill Bible Commentary
They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion,.... Who trust not in themselves, and in their own hearts; nor in anything of theirs, their strength or wisdom, riches or righteousness; nor in any creature whatever, in the mightiest or best of men; but in the Lord; in God, as the God of nature and providence, for all temporal mercies; and in him, as the God of grace, for all spiritual and eternal ones; who should be trusted in at all times, whether of affliction, temptation, or darkness; for which there is abundant reason. The Targum is, "the righteous that trust in the Word of the Lord;'' in Christ the essential Word, who is trusted in by all that know him, and that know there is salvation in him, and in no other: these trust in him for acceptance with God, for a justifying righteousness, for remission of sin, for all supplies of grace, and for eternal life; and such are like Mount Zion for many things, being beloved and chosen of God, enjoying his presence, and the blessings of his grace; and being the joy of the whole earth, and a perfection of beauty; but here for their firmness and stability, as follows. Arama observes, that Mount Zion is made mention of, because here the prophecy was given; to which may be added, the psalmist was upon it, and had it in view, when he compared those that trust in the Lord unto it; which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever: either, which Mount Zion is immovable, and continually abides, for which reason the church and people of God are compared unto it; or everyone of those that trust in the Lord, like that, can never be removed, but always abide: they can never be removed from the Lord, though they may be removed from his house and ordinances, as sometimes David was; and from his gracious presence, and sensible communion with him, and out of the world by death; yet never from his heart's love, nor out of the covenant of his grace, which is sure and everlasting; nor out of his family, into which they are taken; nor from the Lord Jesus Christ, nor out of his hands and arms, nor from off his heart; nor from off him, the foundation on which they are laid; nor out of a state of grace, either regeneration or justification; but such abide in the love of God, in the covenant of his grace, in the hands of his Son, in the grace wherein they stand, and in the house of God for evermore.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here are three very precious promises made to the people of God, which, though they are designed to secure the welfare of the church in general, may be applied by particular believers to themselves, as other promises of this nature may. Here is, I. The character of God's people, to whom these promises belong. Many call themselves God's people who have no part nor lot in this matter. But those shall have the benefit of them and may take the comfort of them, (1.) Who are righteous (Psa 125:3), righteous before God, righteous to God, and righteous to all men, for his sake justified and sanctified. (2.) Who trust in the Lord, who depend upon his care and devote themselves to his honour. All that deal with God must deal upon trust, and he will give comfort to those only that give credit to him, and make it to appear they do so by quitting other confidences, and venturing to the utmost for God. The closer our expectations are confined to God the higher our expectations may be raised from him. II. The promises themselves. 1. That their hearts shall be established by faith: those minds shall be truly stayed that are stayed on God: They shall be as Mount Zion. The church in general is called Mount Zion (Heb 12:22), and it shall in this respect be like Mount Zion, it shall be built upon a rock, and its interests shall be so well secured that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The stability of the church is the satisfaction of all its well-wishers. Particular persons, who trust in God, shall be established (Psa 112:7); their faith shall be their fixation, Isa 7:9. They shall be as Mount Zion, which is firm as it is a mountain supported by providence, much more as a holy mountain supported by promise. (1.) They cannot be removed by the prince of the power of the air, nor by all his subtlety and strength. They cannot be removed from their integrity nor from their confidence in God. (2.) They abide for ever in that grace which is the earnest of their everlasting continuance in glory. 2. That, committing themselves to God, they shall be safe, under his protection, from all the insults of their enemies, as Jerusalem had a natural fastness and fortification in the mountains that were round about it, Psa 125:2. Those mountains not only sheltered it from winds and tempests, and broke the force of them, but made it also very difficult of access for an enemy; such a defence is God's providence to his people. Observe, (1.) The compass of it: The Lord is round about his people on every side. There is no gap in the hedge of protection which he makes round about his people, at which the enemy, who goes about them, seeking to do them a mischief, can find entrance, Job 1:10. (2.) The continuance of it - henceforth even for ever. Mountains may moulder and come to nought, and rocks be removed out of their place (Job 14:18), but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken (Isa 54:10) nor his care of them cease. Their being said to stand fast for ever (Psa 125:1), and here to have God round about them for ever, intimates that the promises of the stability and security of God's people will have their full accomplishment in their everlasting state. In heaven they shall stand fast for ever, shall be as pillars in the temple of our God and go no more out (Rev 3:12), and there God himself, with his glory and favour, will be round about them for ever. 3. That their troubles shall last no longer than their strength will serve to bear them up under them, Psa 125:3. (1.) It is supposed that the rod of the wicked may come, may fall, upon the lot of the righteous. The rod of their power may oppress them; the rod of their anger may vex and torment them. It may fall upon their persons, their estates, their liberties, their families, their names, any thing that falls to their lot, only it cannot reach their souls. (2.) It is promised that, though it may come upon their lot, it shall not rest there; it shall not continue so long as the enemies design, and as the people of God fear, but God will cut the work short in righteousness, so short that even with the temptation he will make a way for them to escape. (3.) It is considered as a reason of this promise that if the trouble should continue over-long the righteous themselves would be in temptation to put forth their hands to iniquity, to join with wicked people in their wicked practices, to say as they say and do as they do. There is danger lest, being long persecuted for their religion, at length they grow weary of it and willing to give it up, lest, being kept long in expectation of promised mercies, they begin to distrust the promise, and to think of casting God off, upon suspicion of his having cast them off. See Psa 73:13, Psa 73:14. Note, God considers the frame of his people, and will proportion their trials to their strength by the care of his providence, as well as their strength to their trials by the power of his grace. Oppression makes a wise man mad, especially if it continue long; therefore for the elect's sake the days shall be shortened, that, whatever becomes of their lot in this world, they may not lose their lot among the chosen.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 125 The psalmist expresses the community’s confidence in the Lord’s protection (125:1-2) and prays for peace (125:3-5).