Yahweh Surrounds His People – Psalm 125

Who are the people of God?  In the context of the Old Testament, the people of God are certainly Israel.  But with the coming of Jesus and our being incorporated into him, the ultimate Israel, all believers in Jesus Christ are the people of God.  Israel, as a people, are the natural branches in God’s vine that have been temporarily removed, but will be restored in the end days (Romans 11).

A Song of Ascents.

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.  For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.  Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!  But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the LORD will lead away with evildoers!  Peace be upon Israel!  (Psalm 125 ESV)

As the nation of Israel makes pilgrimage up to Jerusalem they acknowledge that Yahweh is their protector because they trust in Him, and, like Jerusalem, nestled in the mountains, are surrounded by Him.  Yes, there may be at times ungodly rulers who encourage idolatry, something that has occurred all too often in their nation and our own, and even in our churches.  But Yahweh will not abide this, but will do good to those who are good and judge those who are crooked in their ways.  Peace be upon the church of Jesus Christ.