As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord
surrounds his people both now and forevermore (Psalm 125:2).
This was one of Israel’s
Songs of Ascent – Psalms 120 through 134 – fifteen psalms sung by worshipers making
their way to the temple in Jerusalem. They may have been sung along the road
during their pilgrimage, or as they were actually climbing the temple steps.
I live in Portland,
Oregon in the Willamette Valley, one of the most fertile farming areas in the
country. To the west I can see the Coast Range that separates us from the
Pacific, and to the east rises Mt. Hood in the Cascades. While the ocean
moderates our temperatures, the mountains protect our valley, giving it a long
growing season and warmer climate than one might expect. And it doesn’t hurt
that our glacial and volcanic soil is a half mile thick in places. From berries
to hazelnuts to hops to grass seed to wines to nursery stock; it all thrives
here.
Speaking of
mountains, Jerusalem was built on a raised elevation (Zion sits at about 2,500
feet above sea level), but it is surrounded on all sides by low mountains,
which afforded a great measure of protection from enemy attacks. The climb from
Jericho to Jerusalem (about 23 miles) was over 3,000 feet. As pilgrims traveled
by foot, ascending the incline to the spiritual and political capital of Judah,
they would no doubt look around at the sheltering mountains, and this psalm
would remind them, Just as these mountains surround and protect
Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds and protects his people.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Have you acknowledged God’s
care and protection in your life this week? Do that now.
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