Psalms 125:5
As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Study Note
Study Note
The brief notice 'as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel' concludes a pilgrimage psalm of trust with a note of discrimination between the faithful remnant and those who have compromised their covenant loyalty. The psalm (one of the 'Songs of Ascent,' Psalms 120-134, sung on pilgrimages to Jerusalem) uses geographical metaphors — mountains surrounding Jerusalem, unshakeable foundations — to express the stability that divine faithfulness provides. The final 'peace upon Israel' (shalom al-yisrael) echoes Psalm 128:6 and became one of the standard liturgical benedictions of Second Temple worship. The verse reflects a community that maintained a theology of divine sovereignty over history alongside genuine human moral accountability.
Other Translations
But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel.
As to those turning <FI>to<Fi> their crooked ways, Jehovah causeth them to go with workers of iniquity. Peace on Israel!
But as for such as are turned out of the straight way, the Lord will take them away with the workers of evil. Let peace be on Israel.
Cross References
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked …
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall …
Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an …
Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I …
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of …
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and …