Psalm 125

The subtitle wasn’t part of the original psalm. Psalms 120-134 are called songs of ascent, possibly because Jewish pilgrims sang these songs while traveling up into the Judean hills to celebrate a Jewish holiday in Jerusalem.

“Mount Zion” is a term of endearment, and another name for Jerusalem. It’s a bit like “The Big Apple” for New York City, “The City of Love” for Paris, and “Sin City” for Las Vegas, though some wouldn’t call that a term of endearment.

The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. It means more than “absence of conflict.” Another way of expressing the “shalom of Israel” is to say, “may all be well with Israel.” Shalom means peace along with prosperity, comfort, good health, and honesty. It’s complete care being provided for the nation, with all needs being met. It’s a wish for the best in all good things.