An encouraging word from Psalm 125
Biblical Israel Ministries & Tours (BIMT) is all about teaching the Bible in the context of the land of Israel and other biblical countries (Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy). We teach the historical geography of the Bible as well as archaeology, customs and culture of the land. We aim to make connections between the Bible and the land in all that we do.
This is another session in the new series of teaching videos called “Devotions from Israel.” This brief five-minute devotional comes from Psalm 125. The setting for this devotional is Jerusalem!
About the Devotional
Since the days of David, Jerusalem has been the capital city of Israel. The city has endured much over the last 3,000 years. It was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and once again by the Romans in 70 AD. Jerusalem is mentioned over 800 times in the Bible. One of these places is Psalm 125.
Here is the entire psalm:
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.”
The first 2 verses are our focus in this devotional. Topographically, the elevations on every side of the ancient city are higher than the city itself. The mountain range on the east side (the Mt. of Olives) and to the south are the most noticeable. Standing on the Mt. of Olives range, one literally looks down several hundred feet to the Old City and the Temple Mount. Nothing has changed topographically from the days of the Bible.
“Even when we are going through the challenges of life, leaving us feel all alone, God still is with us. He surrounds us with His goodness and grace. He is faithful to us at all times.”
What is important to note is that the psalmist was not giving a geography lesson about Jerusalem in this psalm. Rather, he was using the unique topography of Jerusalem as a wonderful illustration of how God surrounded His people with His goodness and grace. Despite the challenges this city and God’s people have faced, God faithfulness hasn’t changed. It is a promise of God’s caring presence in the lives of His people.
God surrounds us today with the same care and concern. God surrounds you too!
I hope you enjoy this video below. These five minute devotionals will be produced on a regular basis. We are sharing two devotionals per week this summer. As you are encouraged by the video, please consider sharing this post with others for their encouragement as well.