Psalms 125:2

2 (124-2) In Jerusalem. Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth now and for ever.

Psalms 125:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 125:2

As the mountains [are] round about Jerusalem
There was Mount Zion on the side of the north, and the mount of Olives on the east, and other mountains on the other sides of it; so that it was encompassed with them, and was naturally as well as artificially fortified. Tacitus ^F11 describes Jerusalem as inaccessible, walls and mountains, rocks and towers, surrounding it: and the poet Coerilus ^F12 makes mention of a people that spoke the Phoenician language, by whom he plainly means the Jews, (oikoun d'en solumoiv oresi) , "that inhabited the mountains of Solyma"; which are spoken of by Homer ^F13, from whence, according to Tacitus ^F14, Jerusalem had its name: yet, as Kimchi observes, this did not hinder the enemy from taking it; wherefore the Lord is a greater security to his people;

so the Lord [is] round about his people, from henceforth even for ever;
he encompasses them with his favour and lovingkindness as a shield; he encircles them in the arms of everlasting love; he guards them by his providence all around, and keeps a wakeful and watchful eye over them, that nothing hurts them: he keeps them, as in a garrison, by his almighty power: these are the walls that are around them, yea, he himself is a wall of fire about them, and the glory in the midst of them, ( Zechariah 2:5 ) ; and so he continues; he never leaves his people, nor forsakes them, but is their God and guide even unto death. The Targum is,

``the Word of the Lord is round about his people;''

Christ, the essential Word of God.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 Hist. l. 5. c. 11.
F12 Apud Euseb. Praerar. Evangel. l. 9. c. 9.
F13 Odyss. 5. v. 283.
F14 Ut supra. (Hist. l. 5. c. 11.)

Psalms 125:2 In-Context

1 (124-1) <A gradual canticle.> They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion: he shall not be moved for ever that dwelleth

2 (124-2) In Jerusalem. Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth now and for ever.

3 (124-3) For the Lord will not leave the rod of sinners upon the lot of the just: that the just may not stretch forth their hands to iniquity.

4 (124-4) Do good, O Lord, to those that are good, and to the upright of heart.

5 (124-5) But such as turn aside into bonds, the Lord shall lead out with the workers of iniquity: peace upon Israel.