What does Psalm 125:5 mean?
This is a warning to those tempted to follow the wickedness of the world (1 John 2:16). Israel routinely suffered from this problem (Judges 2:16–19). Many people ignored the Lord and participated in idolatry (Nehemiah 9:26–27). Eventually, this led to conquest by Babylon and the exile of the entire nation (2 Chronicles 36:17–21). Sin has consequences, both on earth (Proverbs 3:5–8; 8:35–36; 14:12) and in eternity (Revelation 20:11–15). Those who believe in the Lord, yet join in sin, can expect to suffer the same negative earthly consequences as non-believers (1 Timothy 5:6). At worst, their life might suggest that they are not believers at all (Matthew 7:13–14, 21).The song ends with a sincere prayer for Israel's protection and serenity. For virtually all of history, Israel has been attacked by those who hate the Jewish people and their God. Modern-day believers should join in asking God to send peace and safety to Israel (Psalm 122:6; Romans 10:1).
