Psalms 125:3
Psalms 125:3 in Multiple Translations
For 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.
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity.
For the rod of sinners will not be resting on the heritage of the upright; so that the upright may not put out their hands to evil.
The wicked will not always rule over the land of the faithful, otherwise the faithful might also end up doing wrong.
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous, least the righteous put forth their hand vnto wickednes.
For the rod of wickedness resteth not On the lot of the righteous, That the righteous put not forth on iniquity their hands.
For the scepter of wickedness won’t remain over the allotment of the righteous, so that the righteous won’t use their hands to do evil.
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands to iniquity.
The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful.
Wicked people [MTY] should not be allowed to rule over the land where righteous people live. If they did that, those righteous people might ◄be encouraged to imitate them and► do things that are wrong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 125:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 125:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֹ֪א
יָנ֡וּחַ
שֵׁ֤בֶט
הָ/רֶ֗שַׁע
עַל֮
גּוֹרַ֪ל
הַֽ/צַּדִּ֫יקִ֥ים
לְמַ֡עַן
לֹא
יִשְׁלְח֖וּ
הַ/צַּדִּיקִ֨ים
בְּ/עַוְלָ֬תָ/ה
יְדֵי/הֶֽם
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֪א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָנ֡וּחַ
nûwach
H5117
to rest
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שֵׁ֤בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
הָ/רֶ֗שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
wickedness
Art | N-ms
עַל֮
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גּוֹרַ֪ל
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
N-ms
הַֽ/צַּדִּ֫יקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Art | Adj
לְמַ֡עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִשְׁלְח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הַ/צַּדִּיקִ֨ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Art | Adj
בְּ/עַוְלָ֬תָ/ה
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
Prep | N-cs | Suff
יְדֵי/הֶֽם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 125:3
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֪א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָנ֡וּחַ
nûwach
H5117
"to rest"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.
שֵׁ֤בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
הָ/רֶ֗שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
"wickedness"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wrong, wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, wicked(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:27; Proverbs 12:3; Psalms 5:5.
עַל֮
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גּוֹרַ֪ל
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
הַֽ/צַּדִּ֫יקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Art | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
לְמַ֡עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִשְׁלְח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
הַ/צַּדִּיקִ֨ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Art | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
בְּ/עַוְלָ֬תָ/ה
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
יְדֵי/הֶֽם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Psalms 125:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 125:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 125:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 125:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 125:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 125:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
- Sermons on Psalms 125:3
Context — 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.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:8 | He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. |
| 2 | Isaiah 14:5–6 | The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers. It struck the peoples in anger with unceasing blows; it subdued the nations in rage with relentless persecution. |
| 3 | Psalms 89:22 | No enemy will exact tribute; no wicked man will oppress him. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 10:13 | No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it. |
| 5 | Revelation 2:10 | Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. |
| 6 | Isaiah 27:8 | By warfare and exile You contended with her and removed her with a fierce wind, as on the day the east wind blows. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 24:10 | Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ |
| 8 | Isaiah 10:5 | Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. |
| 9 | Psalms 103:9 | He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever. |
| 10 | Psalms 103:14 | For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust. |
Psalms 125:3 Summary
Psalms 125:3 tells us that God will not let evil people have control over those who are trying to do what is right. This means that even when it seems like bad things are happening, God is still in charge and is protecting His people, as we see in Psalms 23:4 where David says even though he walks through the valley of the shadow of death, he fears no evil because God is with him. We can trust that God will keep us safe and help us to always do what is right, even when it's hard, and as Romans 8:28 reminds us, He works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'scepter of the wicked' mean in Psalms 125:3?
The 'scepter of the wicked' refers to the ruling power or authority of those who do not follow God, as seen in Psalms 2:2 where the kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord and His Anointed. In Psalms 125:3, it signifies the dominance or control that evil forces may try to exert over the righteous.
Will the righteous always be protected from evil?
According to Psalms 125:3, God promises that the scepter of the wicked will not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, implying His protection and care for them, similar to what is promised in Psalms 121:7-8 where God keeps us from all harm and watches over our coming and going.
Why would the righteous 'put forth their hands to injustice'?
This phrase suggests that if the wicked were to dominate, the righteous might be tempted to compromise their values or engage in unjust actions to survive or thrive, but God's protection prevents this, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 where the man of integrity walks securely.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that as believers, we are not to conform to the patterns of the world or adopt its unjust ways, but instead, trust in God's sovereignty and care, as Romans 12:2 advises us not to conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which the 'scepter of the wicked' might be exerting influence in my life or community, and how can I stand against it?
- How does knowing that God protects the righteous from the dominance of evil give me courage and hope in difficult situations?
- In what ways might I be tempted to 'put forth my hands to injustice' in my own life, and how can I seek God's help to resist this temptation?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's sovereignty and care, especially when faced with injustice or evil, and how can I practically live this out?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 125:3
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous,.... Which, according to Kimchi, is Jerusalem; but Aben Ezra interprets it of the Israelites that inherit the land.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 125:3
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
The rod of the wicked; the power and authority of cruel tyrants. Shall not rest; not continue for ever, nor too long. Upon the lot of the righteous; upon the habitations and persons of good men. Lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity; lest through human frailty and the great weight or long continuance of their troubles they should be driven to impatience, or to despair, or to use indirect and sinful courses to relieve themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
Psalms 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.Ver. 3. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest] Fall upon the lot of the righteous it may, notwithstanding that former promise of God’ s protection; but he will take care they be not tempted above that they are able, 1 Corinthians 10:13; he sets the time, and appoints the measure, Psalms 30:5 Revelation 2:10. Lest the righteous, &c.] Overcome by impatience, or drawn aside by the world’ s either allurements or affrightments, should yield and comply, or seek to help themselves out of trouble by sinister practice. God (saith Chrysostom) doth like a lute player, who will not let the strings of his lute be too slack, lest it mar the music, nor suffer them to be too hard stretched or screwed up, lest they break.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
(3) Rod.—The imagery of this unusually long verse is peculiar. The “rod of the wicked,” or “of wickedness,” is the heathen sceptre, and the righteous are the Israelites who hold fast to the religion of their fathers. This sceptre now rests—a word expressing the presence of tyranny—upon the Holy Land; but this is not for a continuance. God will not suffer the tyranny to last, lest the righteous should be seduced or forced into connivance with practices which religion unites with patriotism to condemn.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
Verse 3. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous] Rod, here. may be taken for persecution, or for rule; and then it may be thus interpreted: "The wicked shall not be permitted to persecute always, nor to have a permanent rule." In our liturgic version this clause is thus rendered: "The rod of the ungodly cometh not into the lot of the righteous." "This," said one of our forefathers, "is neither truth nor scripture. First, it is not truth; for the rod of the wicked doth come into the inheritance of the righteous, and that often. Secondly, it is not scripture, for the text saith, 'The rod of the wicked shall not rest there.' It may come, and stay for a time; but it shall not be permitted to abide." This is only one, and not the worst, of the many sad blemishes which deform the Version in our national Prayer-book. In short, the Version of the Psalms in that book is wholly unworthy of regard; and should be thrown aside, and that in the authorized Version in the Bible substituted for it. The people of God are misled by it; and they are confounded with the great and glaring differences they find between it and what they find in their Bibles, where they have a version of a much better character, delivered to them by the authority of Church and state. Why do not our present excellent and learned prelates lay this to heart, and take away this sore stumbling-block out of the way of the people? I have referred to this subject in the introduction to the Book of Psalms. See Clarke on Psalms 1:1. Lest the righteous put forth] Were the wicked to bear rule in the Lord's vineyard, religion would soon become extinct; for the great mass of the people would conform to their rulers.
Fear not your enemies, while ye fear God. Neither Sanballat, nor Tobiah, nor Geshem, nor any of God's foes, shall be able to set up their rod, their power and authority, here. While you are faithful, the Lord will laugh them to scorn.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 125:3
3. For &c.] We might rather have expected an inference from Psalms 125:2, Therefore: but the connexion of thought is that the confidence of Psa 125:1-2 is justified, for the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous. Israel will not always be unjustly oppressed. The sceptre is the symbol of rule (Isaiah 14:5). The lot of the righteous is the land of promise, so called with allusion to its division by lot (Joshua 18:10-11). Israel is called ‘righteous’ in contrast to the heathen, in virtue of its calling (Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 26:2; Isaiah 1:26). The ‘sceptre of wickedness’ does not refer simply to the fact that Israel was subject to Persian rule, but to the injuries done them by the Samaritans and others with the sanction of the Persian power, resulting in the disastrous condition of things which Nehemiah had found on his arrival. See Ezra 4:23. The A.V. and P.B.V. follow the LXX in rendering the wicked, but the Heb. text reads wickedness. The difference is one of vowel points only. lest the righteous &c.] Prolonged oppression might tempt Israelites in despair to deny their allegiance to Jehovah and their duty to their country, and make common cause with the enemies of their religion and nation.
Cp. Psalms 37:7-8; Psalms 73:10 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 125:3
For the rod of the wicked - Margin, as in Hebrew, “wickedness.” The word “rod” - the staff, the scepter, the instrument of inflicting punishment - here means dominion, power, that condition in which
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 125:3
3. The rod of the wicked—Their scepter, the emblem of their oppressive power; or, perhaps, the measuring “rod,” as a sign of possession. Shall not rest— “Shall not” settle down, abide.
Sermons on Psalms 125:3
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Epistle 314 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, equipped with the spiritual armor provided by Christ. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitmen |
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There's Mercy With the Lord by Jackie Hughes | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and experiences to emphasize the power of sin and the hope found in the gospel. He highlights the destructive nature of sin, sho |
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John Gordon by Alexander Whyte | Alexander Whyte preaches about the struggles and consequences of sin within the Gordon family, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by old John Gordon and his son in Cardo |
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Reaping the Whirlwind by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a young boy from Newcastle-on-Tyne who, despite his parents' love and care, fell into a life of crime and ultimately faced dire consequence |
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Giving Birth to a Monster by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe delivers a powerful sermon based on Psalms 7:10-17, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of persecution. The p |
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Sowing and Reaping by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the universal principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that just as in the physical world, there is a direct correlation between what one sows and w |
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Jude #3 - the Angels That Sinned by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a controversial passage in the Bible, specifically verse 6 of Jude. The speaker presents three views on the interpretation of this verse. The |