1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain
over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.
4 Lord, do good to those who are good,
to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways
the Lord will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be on Israel. NIV
Mount Zion, where the Temple was built, is central to the identity of Israel. Psalm 125 is another "Song of Ascent" that was meant to prepare God's people as they traveled to worship at the Temple. How do verses 1-2 use it as an illustration for God and His people?
What is a "sceptor" – and why does the author refer to one in verse 3?
Read the five verses of this psalm again. What is the only prayer request in this psalm? How would you characterize the rest of the content of this psalm?
"Peace be on Israel" is an interesting conclusive blessing. Why might the author have included this blessing in this psalm?
::::: Digging Deeper :::::
How does verse 4 contrast with Psalm 14 and Psalm 53? How does it resonate with Psalm 24?