Psalms 125:2
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Original Language Analysis
יְֽרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
Jerusalem
H3389
יְֽרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
1 of 10
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
הָרִים֮
As the mountains
H2022
הָרִים֮
As the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
2 of 10
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
סָבִ֣יב
are round about
H5439
סָבִ֣יב
are round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
3 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וַ֭יהוָה
so the LORD
H3068
וַ֭יהוָה
so the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
סָבִ֣יב
are round about
H5439
סָבִ֣יב
are round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
6 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
לְעַמּ֑וֹ
his people
H5971
לְעַמּ֑וֹ
his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מֵ֝עַתָּ֗ה
H6258
Cross References
Zechariah 2:5For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.Isaiah 4:5And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.Psalms 121:8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.Deuteronomy 33:27The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.Psalms 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.Lamentations 4:12The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Ancient cities relied on geographic features for defense. Jerusalem's mountain setting provided strategic advantage and made siege difficult. However, the city did fall multiple times (Babylon, Rome), demonstrating that physical mountains don't guarantee security. Only God's presence provides ultimate protection. The psalm directs trust beyond geography to the God who stands behind the mountains.
Questions for Reflection
- How does physical geography serve as effective metaphor for spiritual reality?
- What does it mean that the LORD is 'round about' His people, providing complete protection?
- How does this promise of eternal protection square with the reality that believers suffer and die?
- In what ways is God's protection superior to physical mountains or military defenses?
- How should awareness of God's encircling presence shape daily life and decision-making?
Analysis & Commentary
The protective imagery continues: 'As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.' This verse employs geographic reality as theological metaphor. Jerusalem is naturally surrounded by mountains (Mount of Olives to east, Mount Scopus to north, Hinnom Valley hills to south and west), creating a protective amphitheater. The comparison 'so the LORD is round about his people' transforms physical geography into spiritual reality - God Himself encircles and protects His people. The word 'round about' (Hebrew 'sabib') suggests complete encirclement, defense from all directions. The temporal scope 'from henceforth even for ever' extends divine protection from present moment into eternity. This isn't temporary security but permanent covenant promise. The verse assures that God's defensive presence surrounds His people more reliably than mountains surround Jerusalem.