Psalms 125:5
As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַמַּטִּ֤ים
As for such as turn aside
H5186
וְהַמַּטִּ֤ים
As for such as turn aside
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 10
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
יוֹלִיכֵ֣ם
H1980
יוֹלִיכֵ֣ם
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
יְ֭הוָה
the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
פֹּעֲלֵ֣י
with the workers
H6466
פֹּעֲלֵ֣י
with the workers
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
6 of 10
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
הָאָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
H205
הָאָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
7 of 10
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם
but peace
H7965
שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם
but peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
8 of 10
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Cross References
Isaiah 59:8The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.Proverbs 2:15Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:Psalms 128:6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.Psalms 40:4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.Galatians 6:16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.Psalms 101:3I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.Matthew 7:23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Philippians 2:15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;Hebrews 10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Historical Context
Israel's history included repeated cycles of apostasy and judgment, where those who turned from God were removed through exile or death, while a faithful remnant was preserved. The pattern appears in wilderness wandering (unfaithful generation died; faithful entered Canaan), divided kingdom (northern tribes lost; Judah preserved longer), and exile (many remained in Babylon; faithful returned).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'turn aside' unto crooked ways versus falling into sin unintentionally?
- How does God 'lead them forth with workers of iniquity' - is this abandonment or just consequence?
- Why does the psalm end with both warning (judgment) and promise (peace)?
- How does the contrast between apostates' fate and Israel's peace motivate faithfulness?
- In what ways does this ending challenge easy assurance while comforting genuine believers?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with warning and blessing: 'As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.' The phrase 'turn aside' indicates deliberate departure from righteousness. 'Crooked ways' (Hebrew 'aqalqalah') describes twisted, perverse paths that deviate from straight moral direction. The judgment 'LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity' pictures God conducting apostates to join those already committed to evil - they get what they chose. 'Lead them forth' may suggest leading to judgment or exile, removing them from among God's people. The contrast 'but peace shall be upon Israel' promises shalom (wholeness, security, flourishing) for the faithful covenant community. The verse establishes two destinies: apostates join evildoers in judgment; faithful Israel experiences peace. This ending returns to the theme of stability (v. 1-2) for those who remain faithful.