But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel. But those who turn aside to crooked waysThis phrase speaks to the deliberate choice of some to deviate from the path of righteousness. The Hebrew word for "turn aside" is "natah," which implies a willful bending or turning away. In the context of ancient Israel, this could refer to those who abandon the covenantal laws and practices established by God. The "crooked ways" symbolize paths of moral and spiritual deviation, often associated with idolatry and injustice. Historically, Israel faced numerous temptations to adopt the practices of surrounding nations, which often led them away from God's commandments. the LORD will banish with the evildoers Peace be upon Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and righteous in His judgments. 2. Evildoers Those who act wickedly and oppose God's righteous ways. 3. Israel The nation chosen by God, representing His people who are called to live in obedience to Him. 4. Those who turn aside Individuals who deviate from the path of righteousness and follow sinful ways. 5. Crooked ways Symbolic of sinful, deceitful, and unrighteous paths that lead away from God's truth. Teaching Points The Danger of Deviating from RighteousnessTurning aside to crooked ways leads to separation from God and His blessings. The path of righteousness requires steadfastness and commitment to God's commands. God's Justice and Judgment God will judge those who choose crooked paths alongside evildoers. His justice ensures that righteousness is upheld and wickedness is punished. The Promise of Peace for the Faithful True peace is promised to those who remain faithful to God and His ways. Israel, as God's people, symbolizes the peace and security found in obedience to Him. The Call to Self-Examination Believers are encouraged to examine their paths and ensure alignment with God's righteousness. Repentance and realignment with God's ways are necessary for those who have strayed. Encouragement to Persevere in Faith Despite challenges, believers are called to persevere in faith and righteousness. Trust in God's promises and His ultimate justice provides strength and hope. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "crooked ways" that believers might be tempted to follow, and how can we guard against them?2. How does understanding God's justice and judgment influence our daily decisions and actions? 3. In what ways can we experience the peace of God in our lives, as promised to Israel in this verse? 4. How can we encourage one another to remain steadfast in the path of righteousness, especially in a world that often promotes crooked ways? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between a righteous path and a crooked one. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it help you in future decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 2:15This verse speaks of those whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways, highlighting the danger of straying from righteousness. Isaiah 59:8 Describes the way of peace as unknown to those who walk in crooked paths, emphasizing the absence of peace for the wicked. Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus speaks of the narrow path that leads to life and the broad path that leads to destruction, paralleling the concept of choosing between righteous and crooked ways. Galatians 6:7-8 Paul warns that God is not mocked, and whatever a person sows, they will also reap, reinforcing the consequences of turning to crooked ways. Romans 2:6-8 Paul explains that God will repay each person according to their deeds, with wrath for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth.
People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics 126, Aside, Banish, Causeth, Crooked, Doers, Evil, Evildoers, Forth, Iniquity, Lead, Peace, Psalm, Song, Straight, Turn, Turning, WorkersDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 125:5Library Mountains Round Mount Zion'They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. 2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth, even for ever.'--PSALM cxxv. 1, 2. The so-called 'Songs of Degrees,' of which this psalm is one, are probably a pilgrim's song-book, and possibly date from the period of the restoration of Israel from the Babylonish captivity. In any case, this little psalm looks very much like a record of the impression … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Security of the Church Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ The Unchangeableness of God Psalms Links Psalm 125:5 NIVPsalm 125:5 NLT Psalm 125:5 ESV Psalm 125:5 NASB Psalm 125:5 KJV Psalm 125:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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