THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE

APRIL11, 2026

Psalm 125:2

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.

Anyone who has visited Jerusalem knows that the city, particularly the Old City, is surrounded by protective mountains, which form a natural defensive barrier. In days of old, watchtowers were situated on the hills overlooking the city so that any threat could be viewed long before it was able to reach the city walls. So, in a physical sense, Jerusalem appeared to be an impregnable stronghold, a city not easily taken. Yet David reminded the people of God that, regardless of how strong we believe our position to be, there is no protection unless the Lord “surrounds His people.”

That the Babylonians and the Romans successfully destroyed the city and the Temple within underscores this message; “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1). It behooves us all to remember and respect this fact lest we find that our “defenses” are useless against our adversaries. On the other hand, those who trust in the Lord and serve Him in humility and faithfulness will find that the Lord, “will be a wall of fire” us, and His glory will be seen in our midst (Zechariah 2:5).

In an earlier psalm, David made this statement: “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7). I take this to be very literal; so, in a very real sense, the Lord surrounds His people — those who fear Him — with a protective detail of angels. We don’t see them, but they are there to do the will of God in regard to His people. Therefore, we should not be seduced into thinking that the institutions and industries of this world offer any enduring support; as it is written: “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalm 62:2).