They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
1, 2. Mount Zion—as an emblem
of permanence, and locality of Jerusalem as one of security,
represent the firm and protected condition of God's people (compare
Psalms 46:5), supported not only by
Providence, but by covenant promise. Even the mountains shall depart,
and the hills be removed, but God's kindness shall not depart, nor
His covenant of peace be removed (Psalms 46:5).
They that trust—are
"His people," (Psalms 46:5).
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
3. Though God may leave them for
a time under the "rod," or power (), and oppression of the wicked for a time, as a chastisement,
He will not suffer them to be tempted so as to fall into sin (). The wicked shall only prove a correcting rod to them, not
a destroying sword; even this rod shall not remain ("rest")
on them, lest they be tempted to despair and apostasy (Psalms 73:13;
Psalms 73:14). God may even try His
people to the uttermost: when nothing is before our eyes but pure
despair, then He delivers us and gives life in death, and makes us
blessed in the curse (2 Corinthians 1:8;
2 Corinthians 1:9) [LUTHER].
the lot—the possession,
literally, "Canaan," spiritually, the heavenly inheritance
of holiness and bliss which is appointed to the righteous. Sin's
dominion shall not permanently come between the believer and
his inheritance.
Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
4. (Compare Psalms 7:10;
Psalms 84:11).
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.
5. Those who turn aside (under
temptation) permanently show that they are hypocrites, and their lot
or portion shall be with the wicked ().
crooked ways—(Compare
Deuteronomy 9:16; Malachi 2:8;
Malachi 2:9).
their—is emphatic; the
"crooked ways" proceed from their own hearts. The
true Israel is here distinguished from the false. Scripture
everywhere opposes the Jewish delusion that mere outward descent
would save (Romans 2:28; Romans 2:29;
Romans 9:6; Romans 9:7;
Galatians 6:16). The byways of sin from
the way of life.