Psalms 125:3

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֪א H3808
לֹ֪א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָנ֡וּחַ shall not rest H5117
יָנ֡וּחַ shall not rest
Strong's: H5117
Word #: 3 of 14
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
שֵׁ֤בֶט For the rod H7626
שֵׁ֤בֶט For the rod
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 4 of 14
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
הָרֶ֗שַׁע of the wicked H7562
הָרֶ֗שַׁע of the wicked
Strong's: H7562
Word #: 5 of 14
a wrong (especially moral)
עַל֮ H5921
עַל֮
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גּוֹרַ֪ל upon the lot H1486
גּוֹרַ֪ל upon the lot
Strong's: H1486
Word #: 7 of 14
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
הַצַּדִּיקִ֨ים of the righteous H6662
הַצַּדִּיקִ֨ים of the righteous
Strong's: H6662
Word #: 8 of 14
just
לְמַ֡עַן lest H4616
לְמַ֡עַן lest
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 9 of 14
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁלְח֖וּ put forth H7971
יִשְׁלְח֖וּ put forth
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 11 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
הַצַּדִּיקִ֨ים of the righteous H6662
הַצַּדִּיקִ֨ים of the righteous
Strong's: H6662
Word #: 12 of 14
just
בְּעַוְלָ֬תָה unto iniquity H5766
בְּעַוְלָ֬תָה unto iniquity
Strong's: H5766
Word #: 13 of 14
(moral) evil
יְדֵיהֶֽם׃ their hands H3027
יְדֵיהֶֽם׃ their hands
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 14 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis & Commentary

A specific aspect of protection is addressed: 'For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.' The word 'for' provides explanation for God's surrounding presence (v. 2). The 'rod of the wicked' represents oppressive rule, unjust authority, or cruel governance by ungodly powers. 'Shall not rest' promises that wicked dominion will be temporary, not permanent. The phrase 'lot of the righteous' refers to the inheritance or portion God assigns His people (land, blessing, destiny). The verse promises that God won't allow wicked oppression to permanently dominate righteous people's inheritance. The purpose clause 'lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity' reveals why God limits oppression - prolonged suffering under wickedness might tempt the righteous to compromise, participate in evil, or abandon faithfulness. God measures and limits trials to preserve His people's integrity.

Historical Context

Israel endured periods of foreign domination (Egypt, Philistines, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome), yet God never allowed complete destruction. The exile lasted 70 years, then ended - the rod of wickedness didn't rest permanently. This pattern demonstrated divine limitation of oppression to preserve covenant faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection