1 A song of degrees. They that trust in the Lord, shalbe as mount Zion, which cannot be remooued, but abideth for euer.
2 As the mountaines are round about Ierusalem, so the Lord is round about his people: from hencefoorth euen for euer.
3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest vpon the lot of the righteous: lest the righteous put forth their hands vnto iniquitie.
4 Doe good, O Lord, vnto those that be good: and to them that are vpright in their hearts.
5 As for such as turne aside vnto their crooked wayes, the Lord shall lead them foorth with the workers of iniquitie: but peace shalbe vpon Israel.
The security of the righteous. (1-3) Prayer for them, The ruin of the wicked. (4,5)
1-3 All those minds shall be truly stayed, that are stayed on God. They shall be as Mount Zion, firm as it is; a mountain supported by providence, much more as a holy mountain supported by promise. They cannot be removed from confidence in God. They abide for ever in that grace which is the earnest of their everlasting continuance in glory. Committing themselves to God, they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may moulder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them cease. Their troubles shall last no longer than their strength will bear them up under them. The rod of the wicked may come, may fall upon the righteous, upon their persons, their estates, their liberties, their families names, on any thing that falls to their lot; only it cannot reach their souls. And though it may come upon their lot, it shall not rest thereon. The Lord will make all work together for their good. The wicked shall only prove a correcting rod, not a destroying sword; even this rod shall not remain upon them, lest they distrust the promise, thinking God has cast them off.
4,5 God's promises should quicken our prayers. The way of holiness is straight; there are no windings or shiftings in it. But the ways of sinners are crooked. They shift from one purpose to another, and turn hither and thither to deceive; but disappointment and misery shall befal them. Those who cleave to the ways of God, though they may have trouble in their way, their end shall be peace. The pleading of their Saviour for them, secures to them the upholding power and preserving grace of their God. Lord, number us with them, in time, and to eternity.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.