Psalm-125

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Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF).

Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ having been corrected as it once was, pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following two truth’s from our beloved Scriptures!

“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (the LORD your Eloleichem) which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917 version).

“This is My Name FOREVER, and this is My Memorial to ALL Generations”. Shemot - Exodus 3:15. (JPS-1917).

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Tehillim - Psalm 125

שָׁלוֹם, עַל-יִשְׂרָאֵל - “Peace be upon Israel”.

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, Phd.

Just before the study, I would like to commence with one more important quote from the book of Yahoshua - Joshua Ch 1:7-8. (JPS-1917).

“Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey the entire Torah My servant Moshe has given you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Torah depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

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Introduction:

Tehillim - Psalm 125 is one of the fifteen “Songs of Ascents”, short pilgrim hymns sung by those journeying to Jerusalem. Its central image is Mount Zion as an emblem of immovable security, and the Psalm moves quickly from assurance for the righteous, as well as a sober warning about the fate of the wicked, ending with a benediction for Israel. The JPS 1917 translation captures the Psalm’s compact dignity and its blend of confidence, moral exhortation, and communal prayer.

Below, Psalm 125 (JPS-1917) is first shown Ivrit - Hebrew, and then in English:

שִׁיר, הַמַּעֲלוֹת
הַבֹּטְחִים בַּיהוָה-כְּהַר-צִיּוֹן לֹא-יִמּוֹט, לְעוֹלָם יֵשֵׁב

1 “A Song of Ascents.
They that trust in יְהוָה - the LORD, are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever.

יְרוּשָׁלִַם-הָרִים, סָבִיב לָהּוַיהוָה, סָבִיב לְעַמּוֹ-מֵעַתָּה, וְעַד-עוֹלָם

2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem,
so יְהוָה - the LORD is round about His people, from this time forth and for ever.

כִּי לֹא יָנוּחַ, שֵׁבֶט הָרֶשַׁע-עַל, גּוֹרַל הַצַּדִּיקִים

3 For the rod of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous;
that the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity.

הֵיטִיבָה יְהוָה, לַטּוֹבִים; וְלִישָׁרִים, בְּלִבּוֹתָם

4 Do good, יְהוָה - O LORD, unto the good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

וְהַמַּטִּים עֲקַלְקַלּוֹתָם-יוֹלִיכֵם יְהוָה, אֶת-פֹּעֲלֵי הָאָוֶן
שָׁלוֹם, עַל-יִשְׂרָאֵל

5 But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, יְהוָה - the LORD will lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel”.

This Psalm affirms that those who love and trust in יְהוָה - the LORD are immovably secure like Mount Zion, describes אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s protective encirclement of His people, and it links ‘righteousness with deliverance’, and closes with a plea for ‘justice and peace for Israel’.

Tehillim - Psalm 125. we will look at the verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1.

They that trust in יְהוָה - the LORD are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever.

The opening simile places trust at the centre of spiritual identity, trusting persons who are compared to Mount Zion’s permanence. The mountain image conveys ‘stability’, ‘dignity’, and ‘continuity’, not merely temporary safety but an abiding status rooted in יְהוָה - Elohim’s faithfulness.

Verse 2.

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim is round about His people, from this time forth and for ever.

The surrounding hills of Jerusalem become a metaphor for divine protection. The phrase “from this time forth and for ever” stresses both present assurance and eschatological continuity: אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guardianship is ongoing, not episodic.

Verse 3.

For the rod of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity.

This verse links moral consequence with divine safeguarding. The “rod of wickedness” suggests oppression or punitive power; the psalmist asserts that such domination will not settle on the righteous, because the righteous refrain from reaching out to sin. The line balances divine protection with human responsibility.

Verse 4.

Do good, O יְהוָה - LORD, unto the good, And to them that are upright in their hearts.
A short petition: the Psalmist asks אֱלֹהִים to reward inner integrity as well as outward goodness. The prayer highlights that אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s favour and attends not only visible deeds but the upright heart, a theme common in pilgrimage songs that call for inward purity as pilgrims approach the sanctuary.

Verse 5.

But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked; and evil ways, יְהוָה will lead them away with the workers of iniquity. “Peace be upon Israel”.

The Psalm closes with a sober contrast and a benediction. Those who persist in crookedness are pictured as being led away. An image of exclusion or judgment while the final two words, “Peace be upon Israel,” convert the personal assurance into a communal blessing, ending the song on a note of national hope and reconciliation!

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This may be a short Psalm, but it is also rather powerful, in so many ways!

The truth is that Psalm 125 affirms that those who trust in יְהוָה - the LORD are immovably secure like ‘Mount Zion’, describes The אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s protective encirclement of His people, links ‘righteousness’ with ‘deliverance’, and closes with a plea for justice and peace for Israel!

Concluding Message regarding Tehillim - Psalm 125:

This Psalm leaves us with a vision of trust that endures, protection that surrounds, and peace that embraces. Its imagery of Mount Zion reminds us that faith in יְהוָה - the LORD is not fragile but steadfast, rooted like the hills that cannot be shaken. The Psalm teaches that Divine security is not merely external; it is tied to the integrity of the heart and the uprightness of our ways.

A closing benediction: “Peace be upon Israel,” is more than a farewell; it is a communal hope that the stability of trust and the justice of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’ will overflow into the life of the people. In times of uncertainty, this Psalm calls us to stand firm, to walk uprightly, and to seek the peace that אֱלֹהִים alone can establish.

A concluding thought:
Those who trust in אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim are never alone; they are encircled by His ‘presence’, upheld by ‘His justice’, and ‘blessed with His peace’. May we, like Mount Zion, remain unshaken, and may the blessing of peace rest upon all who seek Him.

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In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen the Conversation:

Which part of the Tanakh study, or possibly a particular line or statement within it has touched you the most? And how do you feel about spending more time studying our beloved Tanakh? I pray that you are doing well as a faithful Hebrew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are upholding as many of our blessed Mitzvoth’s?

Dear reader, please remember this, pray for peace and solitude in your life, and then work on keeping as calm as possible and learn to improve your life, for אֱלֹהִים - בָּרוּךְ אֱלֹהִים - Bless Elohim, He is always there and ready to help and guide you!

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PLEASE NOTE: If you need any assistance, just ask, I will assist, and I can also send an email to you, with special items to help you with whatever you may need! Just email me and I will send it to your email. There will no follow up’s whatsoever, or any requests from me, unless you wish further information, (use the email that is located further down this page).

This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance! For interest, as you may have discovered, this site has become more a teaching site, bringing our faith closer to its origins!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following, via a number of our prophets...

“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).

And Remember ...

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!

אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ אוֹתָם

וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם

“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה (the LORD your Eloheichem); walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”

For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, Blessed be His Sanctified Name,

He is the one who gave us our Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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