The psalm ends with an instruction to the people to examine Jerusalem, the City of God, Zion, and the Holy Mountain. They are to consider the fortifications that protect the citizens, God’s chosen people. The entire psalm interchanges images of the city and the God who dwells in and protects the city. The fortifications built into the city are how they can visibly see some of God’s protective measures. However, the mechanism that actually protects them is their God. The Lord Jesus protects for ever and ever. The protection is not inanimate. God guides them in an interactive personal love.
The possessions I have are not to be where my security lies. Money, power, skill, intelligence, wisdom, family, friends, physique, and riches are gifts God gives to enable me to do righteous acts. They are not my protection and security. Later the prophet Isaiah wrote, “They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” (Isaiah 49:10) And he wrote, “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)
