Read Psalm 125
Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of song is this (superscript)? In Whom are those in Psalm 125:1a trusting? What are they like (verse 1b)? In what ways (verse 1c)? What surround Jerusalem (Psalm 125:2a)? Who surrounds whom in the same way (verse 2b)? For how long (verse 2c)? What (Psalm 125:3a) will not rest where (verse 3b)? Why—if it did rest upon it, then what might they do (verse 3c)? What does Psalm 125:4a ask God to do to whom? And to whom else in verse 4b? But what group does Psalm 125:5a consider? Who will do what to them (verse 5b)? Along with whom (verse 5c)? How does the Psalm conclude (verse 5d)?
What can the good expect? Psalm 125 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the good can expect that the God Who gave them righteousness and goodness will give be their peace forever.
Justification by faith, sanctification by faith. The great thrust of the Psalm is the difference between the ends of the righteous / good / upright (Psalm 125:3–4) and the crooked/workers of iniquity (Psalm 125:5a, c). But we must not therefore think that they are meriting their end by this goodness and righteousness. For, Psalm 125:1 tells us how it is that they have come into their blessed condition: faith. “Those who trust in YHWH.” It is through trust in YHWH that they have come to be accounted righteous as in Psalm 125:3. It through trust in YHWH that they have come do be good and upright in heart.
Personal good. The great part of the strength of the city of Jerusalem was not in Jerusalem at all but in the geography that surrounded it (Psalm 125:1-2). It is similar for those who trust in YHWH. The great part of the strength of believers is not in themselves at all but in YHWH, Who surrounds His people. It is not some gift from Him that is their greatest good but Him Himself.
Providential good. The scepter (or rod, if it is referring to them as a chastening from the Lord) of the wicked sometimes afflicts the righteous (and their land) for a time. But the righteous may be sure that the scepter of the wicked will not rest upon their land. It is their certainty that this and all afflictions are light and momentary that strengthens them against pragmatism. They never need to reach their hands out to iniquity (Psalm 125:3c) because the days of the wicked are numbered. The truth of God’s sovereign providence causes them to see their sinning as a worse danger than the wicked’s scepter.
Persistent good. God, Who has made believers right with Him, and begun working good in them, will not leave that work half done. He will keep doing them good (Psalm 125:4)! They deserved to have been led away with the wicked (Psalm 125:5a–c), just as Jacob did, but God has made Himself their God by grace. He has made them into His Israel. And, they will have His peace forever. It ought ever to be pronounced upon them, as it is in this benediction, for His peace will be their portion forever.
What threatens your peace? What scepters of wickedness do you suffer under for a time? But what promise does this Psalm make to you about them? What is a greater danger to you than those who are wicked? How can you be sure that God is doing you good (cf. Romans 8:32)?
Sample prayer: Lord, we trust in You. You surround us like mountains! Not just now, but forever. You rule over all things, and we know that the days of evil are numbered. So we come to You, Who have given us righteousness in Christ. And we come to You, Who have begun working good in us like Christ. And we ask that You would do us good now, and forever. By Your Spirit, make us to know Your peace, which You have given Your Israel in Christ, through Whom also we ask this, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP124 “All, Like Mount Zion” or TPH515 “More Than Conquerors”
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