As the Mountains Surround Jerusalem

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

As the Mountains Surround Jerusalem

Date: Oct. 16, 2016

Passage

Psalm 125:1-5 (ESV)

A Song of Ascents.

1   Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2   As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the LORD surrounds his people,
    from this time forth and forevermore.
3   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.
4   Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
    and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5   But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
    the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
    Peace be upon Israel!

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 125:2

  As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the LORD surrounds his people,
    from this time forth and forevermore.

First, like Mount Zion (1-2). The Psalmist likens those who trust in the Lord to Mount Zion. Mount Zion was a strong and impenetrable hill in the city of Jerusalem, and the place where David chose to construct the temple as God's dwelling place among his people. The kingdom of God is also referred to as Zion. It is the enduring and eternal city of God, his eternal dwelling place. Just as the hills around Jerusalem offered protection to the temple and the people there, so does God protect his own-those who trust in him-in every way. He protects us forever. The Lord surrounds us and bears us to Zion, his heavenly dwelling.

Second, the land allotted to the righteous (3-5). The Israelites experienced many rulers who did not live up to God's righteousness, but whose hands did evil. Such rulers would not endure, because God had already allotted the land to the righteous. In his right time the Lord will proclaim his eternal judgment and salvation. His people look to the day when they will inherit their allotment in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in you. Surround me with your protection and bring me to yourself.

One Word: Trust in the Lord

Invite Jesus into Your Life

Revelation 3:14-22

Key Verse: 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Today's Question

Is there more than one God?

See answer and references