Psalms 125:1
They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
הַבֹּטְחִ֥ים
They that trust
H982
הַבֹּטְחִ֥ים
They that trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
בַּיהוָ֑ה
in the LORD
H3068
בַּיהוָ֑ה
in the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כְּֽהַר
shall be as mount
H2022
כְּֽהַר
shall be as mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 8
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
צִיּ֥וֹן
Zion
H6726
צִיּ֥וֹן
Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
4 of 8
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֝מּ֗וֹט
which cannot be removed
H4131
יִ֝מּ֗וֹט
which cannot be removed
Strong's:
H4131
Word #:
6 of 8
to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
Cross References
Psalms 62:2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.Zechariah 1:17Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.Psalms 25:2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.Psalms 34:22The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.Psalms 120:1In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.1 Chronicles 5:20And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.Psalms 62:6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.Psalms 121:1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.Isaiah 51:16And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.Isaiah 12:6Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Historical Context
Mount Zion (Jerusalem) endured multiple sieges but remained standing - symbolizing God's faithfulness to preserve His people and dwelling place. Though Jerusalem fell to Babylon, it was rebuilt, demonstrating that even apparent destruction couldn't permanently remove God's purposes. For post-exilic pilgrims singing this, Zion's restoration proved God's immovability.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to trust in the LORD rather than in circumstances or self?
- How does the immovability of mountains illustrate the security of those who trust God?
- In what sense do believers 'abide forever' even though they face trials and mortality?
- How does this promise apply when believers experience circumstances that feel like removal or displacement?
- What practices cultivate the kind of trust that produces immovable faith?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm begins with a confidence declaration using Mount Zion imagery: 'They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.' The subject 'they that trust' makes faith the defining characteristic of God's people. Trust (Hebrew 'batach') means confident reliance, not mere intellectual assent. The comparison to 'mount Zion' invokes Jerusalem's geographic and theological significance - the mountain where God's temple stood, symbolizing His presence and covenant faithfulness. The phrase 'cannot be removed' emphasizes immovability and permanence. Mountains seem eternal from human perspective, unmoved by storms or armies. The parallel 'abideth for ever' reinforces permanence. The verse promises that those who trust God will share His stability and permanence - not that circumstances won't shake them, but that their fundamental security remains. Faith connects believers to God's eternal unchangeableness.