Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
During Advent we meditate upon God’s promise of sending His Son, Immanuel (God with us).
Psalm 125 often serves as an appropriate Psalm during Advent because it speaks of God surrounding His people. Vs. 2
This lesson uses names for the realities of those who trust in the Lord. The selected names are a combination of ideas from commentaries and Dr. Ligon Duncan.
It has been said:
Christmas is God with us.
The Cross and Resurrection is God for us.
Pentecost is God in us.
| Psalm 125 | Comments |
| Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, | Those who trust in the Lord are given stability. * |
| but abides forever. | Forever |
| As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, | Those who trust in the Lord are given surrounding and security. |
| from this time forth and forevermore. | Forever |
| 3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong. | Those who trust in the Lord are given release from their enemies and the occupation of their land, property, and possessions. |
| 4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts! | Those who trust in the Lord and do good are given sustaining. |
| 5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers! | Those who do not trust in the Lord are led away from the land and gifts from God. |
| Peace be upon Israel! | Stability, surrounding, security, and release from enemies, and sustaining are elements of God’s peace. |
- Jerusalem is, of sorts, in a valley, but built upon four hills, Zion, Moriah, Bezethah, and Acra.
- Built on these mountains that are then surrounded by other mountains.
Notice the emphasis on God’s covenant of love with Jerusalem in Isaiah 54:10.
For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10