The Bible — World English Bible

Psalm 125

In brief

Psalm 125 is a song of ascents, sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. As mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever. The rule of wickedness will not settle permanently on the righteous. The psalmist prays for the upright in heart, warns those who turn aside to crooked ways and wishes peace on Israel.

The chapter in 3 parts

  1. v. 1-2Steady like Zion, surrounded like Jerusalem
  2. v. 3The scepter of wickedness will not remain
  3. v. 4-5Good for the upright in heart, a warning for crooked ways, peace on Israel

1Those who trust in Yahweh are as Mount Zion, which can’t be moved, but remains forever.

2As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so Yahweh surrounds his people from this time forward and forever more.

3For 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.

4Do good, Yahweh, to those who are good, to those who are upright in their hearts.

5But as for those who turn away to their crooked ways, Yahweh will lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be on Israel.

Key verses

Verse 1
Those who trust in Yahweh are as Mount Zion, which can’t be moved, but remains forever.

Trust in God gives a stability like that of a mountain. The firmness does not come from the person, but from the one in whom they trust.

Verse 2
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so Yahweh surrounds his people from this time forward and forever more.

The mountains around Jerusalem served as natural ramparts. The Lord is likewise around his people, all the time, without interruption.

Verse 3
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.

God limits the duration of oppression, so that the righteous are not pushed to betray their faith under pressure.

Verse 5
But as for those who turn away to their crooked ways, Yahweh will lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be on Israel.

The psalm does not leave the door open to compromise: those who turn aside to crooked ways drift away from the peace that God gives.

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What the sermons say

Mark 10: Crying Out Like Bartimaeus in God’s PresenceIn a time of prayer, the preacher cites verse 2: as the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds his people, to give thanks for his protection.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about Psalm 125

What does the image of the mountains surrounding Jerusalem mean in Psalm 125:2?

Jerusalem is built on a height surrounded by hills. The image says that God's protection is constant and enveloping, like a natural rampart. It does not promise the absence of trials, but assures that his people are never outside his presence, now and forever.

What is a song of ascents?

Psalms 120 to 134 carry this title. They were probably sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the great feasts. They are short poems that express trust, joy and dependence on God during the journey.

How can I pray Psalm 125?

Read verse 1 while naming what is shaking you right now. Hand it over to God, remembering that he surrounds you, according to verse 2. Then ask him for an upright heart (verse 4) and pray for peace on your church, your family and your country, as in verse 5.

Articles quoting Psalm 125

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World English Bible translation — public domain.