Psalm 125 is the sixth of the “Assent Songs” and the writer
is anonymous, but most commentators seem to think that it was probably composed
during the post-exilic period of Ezra and Nehemiah. Remember that they were the
leaders who lead the captives back to their beloved “Promise Land” to rebuilt
the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. Both Ezra and Nehemiah mention all sorts
of people who made their work difficult for them. (Neh. 6:10-14; Ezra 9-10). Thank
God for the faithful who believe God and obey His Word!
Three kinds of people are mentioned in this psalm: those
who trust in the Lord (v. 1), who are also called righteous and good (vv. 3-4);
those who compromise with the enemy (v. 3); and those who deliberately go on
the wrong path (v. 5). This psalm reminds us of the benefits that faith and faithfulness bring
to God's people and we should be more determined than ever to “live by faith
and not by sight or by our feelings”.
When we live and walk by faith we are kept standing (vv.
1-2), and enjoy spiritual security and stability. The city of Jerusalem was
firmly established and could not be shaken. For one thing, it was built on a
solid foundation of rock that went deep into the ground. The city was
surrounded by a number of hills. Even more, Jerusalem was home to the holy
temple of Jehovah and the throne of David. God's glory and God's authority
dwelt among His people. The writer did not say that God's people should be like
Mount Zion but that they are like Mount Zion. As believers we are built upon
the solid Rock, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Peter 2:4-8), and He dwells within
us and He surrounds us with His protection and mercy. As people of faith, we
shall not be moved (16:8; 21:7; 62:6). Like Paul, we say, "None of these
things move me" (Acts 20:24).
We have a marvelous standing, for we stand in God's grace
(Rom. 5:2; Gal. 5:1), and we stand by faith (Rom. 11:20). We take our stand on
the truths of the Word of God (2 Thess. 2:15) and stand in the will of God
(Col. 4:12). It is God who enables us to stand (2 Cor. 1:21, 24), and because
He does, we are able to accomplish the work He wants us to do (1 Cor. 15:58).
When we begin to trust ourselves or other people, and we bypass the Lord, then
we begin to waver, stumble, and fall.
When we live and walk by faith, we will live a life of
obedience (v. 3). Israel was under Persian rule during the post-exilic years,
and the Persian officers could do as they pleased. Some of the Jews became
weary of this arrangement and capitulated to the Persians. "If you cannot
whip them, join them." But the "scepter of wickedness" was
wielded not only by Persians but also by greedy Israelites who disobeyed God's
law and exploited their own people (Neh. 5). The prevalence of evil makes it
easier for everybody to sin (Matt. 24:12), but the Lord will not permit this to
go on forever. The people who trust God will obey His Word no matter what
others may do, and they will not succumb to temptation (1 Cor. 10:13).
Our faith will keep us praying, hoping and doing good (vv.
4-5). James 1 teaches us that anything that is good comes from God and is given
to us when we ask by faith. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus told His disciples, “If
you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much
more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
To live by faith is to keep our eyes on the Lord (123:1; Heb. 12:1-2), rest on
the promises of His Word, and do what is right and good no matter what others
may say or do. Faith means living without scheming.
People of faith know that God will one day judge the
disobedient, no matter how much they seem to get away with resisting God and
abusing others. The life of faith is not easy, but the life of unbelief is much
harder, in this life and in the life to come.
Yes, even in the midst of adversity we can still by faith
do good and enjoy peace! “Peace be upon you”!
God bless!
