Psalm 125

Maturity in character is often seen by a change in perspective.  Something once was seen as a problem comes to be seen as an asset.  When the pilgrim first set out to draw nearer to God, he looked where his journey would take him and saw the hills around Jerusalem, wondering, “Who will help me to get there?  This is so intimidating, the obstacles so formidable.”  It occurred to him that, if he was drawing near to God, God would help him.  (All this is from Psalm 121:1-2-8).  But now, what do we see?  In Psalm 125:2 those same mountains (the Hebrew is the same, even though, for example, the New King James translates 121:1 hills and 125:2 mountains) are now seen as an illustration of God’s protection.

Likely, at this point, the pilgrim has entered the hills that surround Jerusalem.  We say this knowing that no matter what part of Israel the pilgrim hails from, he will approach and enter Jerusalem through mountainous regions.  Immediately surrounding Jerusalem are the Kidron Valley (to the East) and the Valley of Hinnom (to the South and West).  That made Jerusalem a very defendable city, with only the northern side of the city approachable without crossing a steep valley.  But furthermore, as you traveled from anywhere in Israel you were aware of the mountains through which you had to go to even approach Jerusalem. (An excellent supporting article is found online at http://www.bible-history.com/jerusalem/firstcenturyjerusalem_the_land_of_jerusalem.html.)

·        From the East (Jericho, Dead Sea, Edom/Moab/Ammon) you climbed 4000 feet in about 10 miles to Jerusalem.  This was a common approach for Jews, the way Jesus came on His final journey to Jerusalem (Luke 17:11-19:48).

·        From the North (Bethel, Shechem, Damascus) you trekked up and down hills of Ephraim as you approach Jerusalem.  It was one reason Jews from the Galilee took the longer but flatter route down the Jordan River to Jericho before climbing into the city.  The shorter route through Samaria was hard.

·        From the South (Beersheba, Hebron) you climbed into and through the hills of the Negev (Judean Desert).  As you crossed Abraham’s Ridge (where Abraham first saw the land of Moriah when he brought Isaac for sacrifice; called by Christians The Hill of Evil Council because Caiaphas’ house was there) you would see the city with the formidable Hinnom Valley yet to cross.

·        From the West (Joppa, Caesarea, Ashdod) you crossed the fertile Plain of Sharon or the Ayalon Valley and then began the 3000 foot climb with its many twists and turns, before entering the Holy City.  

Only those driven by God to make this journey will experience the goodness of God.  As they journey along they will notice that God is seeing them through the hardships; and that the workers of iniquity (v5), those who want to rule in wickedness (v3), have turned back to the easy path.  This is God’s protection.  

Do you see this kind of maturity in your life? Have past trials become present assurances of God’s protection?  Are you growing in grace?