Psalm 124:1-8 &Psalm 125:1-5
Q.1. What did the Psalmists want Israel to acknowledge as they prepared to worship? How were they to view their enemies and their God? – (Ps.124:1-8)
This was one of David’s Songs of Ascent as pilgrims travelled from around the territories of Israel to one of the festivals celebrated at Mount Zion. He wanted them to consider how impotent they were in the face of all the opposition from their enemies. In the song they recited, he wanted them to acknowledge – 1 … Let Israel now say, 2 “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side When men rose up against us – Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth (Ps.124:1-2 & 6). The reason why they could rely on the Lord was plain – Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Ps.124:8). The One Who created everything for His own purpose could be trusted to help them against all their foes.
Q.2. What did the topography of Mount Zion typify about God’s relationship with His people? How will God reward people? – (Ps.125:1-5)
The Psalmist drew attention to several features of Mount Zion. The mountain was immovable, so would survive forever. The mountains also surrounded Jerusalem in much the same way as God surrounds His people. This gave the Psalmist confidence that the righteous reign of God would prevail (Ps.125:1-3). The doers of evil would be brought down. However, the righteous expect that the Lord will do good to those who are good (Ps.125:4-5).