Psalm 125 – Praying with confidence

Mount Zion or Jerusalem looked secure because of natural defences provided by the mountains situated round the city. It seemed immovable. As the author looked out on those mountains, he saw them as a picture of the Lord who provides security for his people (vv. 1-2). They are safe because he is on their side.

Yet their sense of protection raised a couple of questions. First, is there a reason for this divine protection as far as his people are concerned? Second, what should they pray for in situations where his protection is obvious?

A reason for their divine protection was prevention of sin by them (v. 3). If an invasion occurred, there would have been the possibility of the righteous engaging in sinful practices as they sought to protect their property and inheritance. That is what other nations would have done, but they had to do so because their gods were powerless to help. In contrast, the people of God knew that he possessed a mighty sceptre, that he ruled the nations, and they could depend on him. But they are reminded here that God is also concerned about their sanctification, that he wants them to be kept from sin.

Consideration of this truth led the psalmist to pray for God to bless the good and punish the wicked. Such a prayer is an appropriate response to knowing that the Lord is the almighty protector. The travellers to the feasts could use this psalm because they wanted righteousness to increase and wickedness to be dealt with. Answers to this kind of prayer will occur in providence. But pthere is a possibility that those living in calmer times will fail to pray earnestly for such growth of righteousness and decline in wickedness.

When the Lord answered in this manner, the outcome would be peace for Israel. They would have spiritual and temporal prosperity because their circumstances were in the Lord’s hands.

This psalm is almost the opposite of the previous psalm, a reminder that the church can face different circumstances at various times. In Psalm 124, the enemy was powerful and attacking; in Psalm 125, circumstances were calmer. Yet in both kinds of situations, prayer to God and trust in him were essential.