As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORDis round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
As the mountains stand round about Jerusalem, so the Lord stands round about His people to shelter and protect them. That encircling care is not momentary but constant and enduring, continuing from the present time onward even forever. The steadfastness of the mountains pictures the endurance of that protection.
Israel sang this promise while looking toward the hills where heathen altar fires had once been kindled. The shelter it pictures carried abundant care and favor given to Israel so that they could become what God intended them to be. Its image of encircling mountains describes the everlasting hills around the valley. For believers persecuted for the truth, it assures that hardship cannot separate them from God's protection and love.
The mountains that sheltered the Waldenses from their pursuers recalled God's presence and care as their refuge and as a sign of His protection. Assured of that refuge, they could worship and give thanks even while threatened by Rome's armies. As the mountains stand firm, so God's righteousness, law, and promises cannot be changed, and His servants should stand firm in loyalty to His law.
As the mountains stand round about Jerusalem, so the Lord stands round about His people to shelter and protect them. That encircling care is not momentary but constant and enduring, continuing from the present time onward even forever. The steadfastness of the mountains pictures the endurance of that protection.
Israel sang this promise while looking toward the hills where heathen altar fires had once been kindled. The shelter it pictures carried abundant care and favor given to Israel so that they could become what God intended them to be. Its image of encircling mountains describes the everlasting hills around the valley. For believers persecuted for the truth, it assures that hardship cannot separate them from God's protection and love.
The mountains that sheltered the Waldenses from their pursuers recalled God's presence and care as their refuge and as a sign of His protection. Assured of that refuge, they could worship and give thanks even while threatened by Rome's armies. As the mountains stand firm, so God's righteousness, law, and promises cannot be changed, and His servants should stand firm in loyalty to His law.