Comprehension and Interpretation--As the worshipers near Jerusalem, the psalmist points out the topography of the city. There were 7 mountains surrounding Jerusalem. Zion is used to refer to the temple, Jerusalem, and/or all of Israel, (Promised Land). In Hebrews and Revelation, Heaven is called Zion. Needless to say, Mount Zion is considered a sacred, irreplaceable part of Jewish history. They reason that, just as the mountains surround and protect Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds and protects His people. This realization prompts the pilgrims to pray for continued goodness to those who seek to live in righteousness, and for judgment on those who live in crookedness. They pray for the peace of Israel.
*Christ Connection*--Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem to much the same view as the pilgrims. While they were moved to praise, Jesus was moved to grief. This city has been central to the presence and power of God. Many prophets have been sent over thousands of years to the beloved people of God to keep them on the path of righteousness. I wonder if Jesus could hear the worshipers singing "Peace be upon Israel"? Jesus is weeping over the fact that they have missed the True meaning of peace. He speaks as the Ultimate Prophet of God over Jerusalem and He foresees the enemies that will surround and destroy the revered city.
A--Ok so do these two passages contradict each other?? It may look like it at first glance. In the Psalm, they sing that the rule of wickedness can't last; in Luke, Jesus says the wicked will tear down the entire holy city. 😕 And that is exactly what happens, approximately 70 years after Jesus' crucifixion. But let's look again at hope in these verses. Though Israel is the nation under the eternal promise of God, Jesus is establishing the New Promise, extended to everyone. Not in a Plan B, "the first people didn't work out so I'm moving on" way, but this was His plan from the beginning. The word "forever" in Psalm 125 changes me. God's judgment on Israel was because the message of the gospel went right over their heads, they've missed the obvious signs of Jesus as Messiah. But those who walk in unmovable faith--Jew or Gentile (Hebrew and the rest of us)--can look to Mount Zion, the presence of God, the eternal city of God, and bask in the surrounding protection of God. Now and forever.
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