<> They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. Verse 1. - They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion; rather, are as Mount Zion; i.e. are as firmly fixed and established as "the mount of God," which cannot be removed, but abideth forever (comp. Isaiah 28:16).
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. Verse 2. - As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people. This is the true cause of his people's stability, which is like that of his holy mountain. The ubiquitous God stands round about his people, and protects them on every side. The mountains that am "round about Jerusalem" are, on the east, the Mount of Olives; on the south, the Hill of Evil Counsel; on the west, the ridge beyond the valley of Jehoshaphat; and on the north, the high ground about Scopas. All these are higher than the platform upon which the city is built. From henceforth even forever. Always round about his true people, though he may have to forsake those who have first forsaken him.
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Verse 3. - For the rod of the wicked; literally, the scepter of wickedness. Shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous. The possession, or inheritance, of the righteous, i.e. the land in which they dwell. This may fall for a time under the dominion of the wicked, but shall not "rest" - i.e. continue - under such dominion. Lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity; i.e. lest their patience be worn out, and they fall from grace. God will not try men beyond that they are able (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. Verse 4. - Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good. Give them their deservings. For their "goodness" repay them with "goodness." And to them that are upright in their hearts. Exegetical of the preceding clause. Only the "upright in heart" are really "good."
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. Verse 5. - As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways. The word translated "crooked ways" occurs only here and in Judges 5:6. It means properly "by-paths," deviations from the straight path of right. The Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. God shall give them no better portion than he assigns to the open evildoers, since their heart is not really whole with him. But peace shall be upon Israel; rather, but peace be upon Israel. The psalmist winds up with a prayer, not a prophecy. |
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