They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
Read it in contextA Song of degrees
Start reading at Psalms 125:1 (Psalms 125:1 to Psalms 125:5).
This psalm is a complete literary unit, one of the 'Songs of degrees' (Psalms of Ascent), and the requested verse is its beginning.
125:1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
125:2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
125:3For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
125:4Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
125:5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Multiple writers contributed to Psalms, including David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses; some psalms have no named attribution. The traditional Hebrew headings distinguish many of these contributions. Biblical references: Acts 2:25; Acts 4:25. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Psalms 125:1–125:5): Hearers are taught about those who trust the LORD, and the prayer asks for good to the upright and peace upon Israel. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel's worshipping community, including individuals and assemblies using the psalms for prayer, praise, lament, and instruction. A particular psalm may speak directly to God, to the congregation, or to another group. Biblical references: Psalms 22:22; Psalms 78:1; Psalms 100:1. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the steadfast security and divine protection granted to those who trust in the LORD, comparing their unshakeable nature to Mount Zion, which cannot be removed.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His unwavering faithfulness and protective presence around His people, ensuring their stability and promising justice against the wicked, while bringing peace to the upright.
What is the literary style? The literary style is Hebrew poetry, specifically a "Song of degrees" or "Psalm of Ascent," intended for worship and pilgrimage.
When
When was it written? This psalm was likely written around 536 B.C., during the post-exilic period, as suggested by ancient marginal notes associated with "A Song of degrees." traditionally held
When does the event take place? The psalm speaks of timeless truths regarding God's protection and the steadfastness of those who trust Him, applicable across various periods. It was likely composed or used by pilgrims returning to or living in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
Where
Where did it happen? The psalm refers to "mount Zion" and "Jerusalem," indicating the setting is the city of Jerusalem in Israel. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The specific location of the author is not stated in the psalm's superscription or the provided facts, but the psalm's focus on Mount Zion and Jerusalem suggests a connection to Israel.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A Song of degrees (Psalms 125:1 to Psalms 125:5).
Start reading at Psalms 125:1. This psalm is a complete literary unit, one of the 'Songs of degrees' (Psalms of Ascent), and the requested verse is its beginning.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Psalm 125 is one of the "Songs of degrees" (Psalms 120-134), which were likely sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for festivals. It reassures worshippers of God's steadfast protection over His people, fitting within a collection focused on trust and hope in God amidst journeys and challenges. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? Christ is the ultimate foundation and security for believers, just as Mount Zion is unshakeable. He is the LORD who surrounds and protects His church, which He declared would not be overcome (Matthew 16:18), embodying the steadfastness promised to those who trust in Him. Through Christ, believers are made secure and cannot be removed from God's grace. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can find comfort and assurance in God's unfailing protection. Trusting in the LORD provides spiritual stability and security, knowing that He surrounds His people from henceforth even for ever, and will ultimately deal with wickedness, bringing peace to the righteous. This encourages steadfast faith in God's sovereign care. interpretation
David and others, including Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and MosesNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe superscriptions name their writers: David most often, and also Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses. The New Testament quotes psalms as David's words. Psalm 3:1Psalm 90:1Acts 2:25Acts 4:25
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition preserves the superscriptions as ancient.
What is debatedSome scholars regard certain superscriptions as later additions. The collection was assembled over centuries.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Psalms 125
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs with multiple attributed writers and many unspecified occasions. Read each psalm as a poetic unit and distinguish a speaker's lament, petition, vow, and praise. The five-book arrangement does not make all psalms one continuous speech. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement. A quoted heading uses the opening KJV words of that stanza; the speaker and the psalm as a whole still govern its meaning.
FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final collection gathers varied songs, the songs of degrees, and concluding calls to praise. Each psalm should first be read in its own poetic movement.
FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Connection to the wholeThe final collection gathers varied songs, the songs of degrees, and concluding calls to praise. Each psalm should first be read in its own poetic movement.
FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final collection gathers varied songs, the songs of degrees, and concluding calls to praise. Each psalm should first be read in its own poetic movement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Psalms
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs with multiple attributed writers and many unspecified occasions. Read each psalm as a poetic unit and distinguish a speaker's lament, petition, vow, and praise. The five-book arrangement does not make all psalms one continuous speech.
Connection to the wholeThe opening collection brings individual and communal prayer into the setting introduced by Psalms 1 and 2, ending with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThe second collection continues varied prayers and songs and closes with royal prayer and a doxology; its individual psalms retain distinct voices and occasions.
FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Connection to the wholeThis collection gives prominent space to communal distress and worship, ending with the tension between the Davidic promise and the king's humiliation.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Connection to the wholeThe final collection gathers varied songs, the songs of degrees, and concluding calls to praise. Each psalm should first be read in its own poetic movement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.