Psalms 121: Our Help Comes from the Lord
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalms 121 is a powerful song of ascent, one of fifteen (Psalms 120–134) likely sung by pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Exodus 23:14–17). As they journeyed through the hills, these songs would have filled their hearts with hope and anticipation, reminding them of God's presence and protection. While the authorship of most of these psalms remains anonymous, David penned Psalms 122, 124, 131, and 133, and Solomon wrote Psalm 127.
This particular psalm beautifully articulates the theme of God's unwavering care for His people. The Hebrew word for "keep" or "watch over" appears repeatedly (Psalms 121:3, 4, 5, 7, 8), emphasizing the Lord's constant vigilance. This is the same word used in Genesis 2:15, describing Adam's responsibility to tend and protect the Garden of Eden, highlighting God's intention for diligent care.
From Where Does My Help Come?
The psalm opens with a question, a heartfelt inquiry amidst the challenging journey: "I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where does my help come?" (Psalms 121:1). The psalmist, surrounded by the imposing mountains of Israel, acknowledges their apparent strength. Perhaps the towering rocks reminded him of his own vulnerability and the potential dangers of the road – threats from robbers or the harsh elements. But he quickly realizes that true security doesn't reside in the physical landscape.
The answer resounds with unwavering faith: "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Psalms 121:2). The psalmist understands that the mountains, mighty as they are, were created by God. True protection and provision originate not from earthly sources, but from the Creator Himself. This is a crucial reminder that our ultimate reliance should always be on the Lord, the source of all power and goodness.
The Lord, Our Protector
The tone of the psalm shifts, perhaps representing a communal response or an inner conviction solidifying. The assurance continues, focusing on God's active and constant protection. "He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber" (Psalms 121:3). God's protection is steadfast; He is always alert and attentive to our needs. He is not like a watchman who might fall asleep at his post. "Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalms 121:4). This reinforces the idea of God's tireless watchfulness over His people.
This unwavering protection extends to all aspects of life. "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand" (Psalms 121:5). God provides shelter and refuge, shielding us from harm like a shade protects from the scorching sun. He is always at our side, ready to defend and support us.
Protection Day and Night
The psalm continues to paint a picture of comprehensive care. "The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night" (Psalms 121:6). This speaks to God's protection from all manner of evil, both physical and spiritual, and from the dangers associated with both day and night.
The Lord's protection is all-encompassing, guarding us from all evil and preserving our very souls. "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your soul" (Psalms 121:7). This promise offers comfort and reassurance, reminding us that God is deeply invested in our well-being, both now and eternally.
From This Time Forth and Forevermore
The psalm concludes with a beautiful affirmation of God's enduring protection. "The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore" (Psalms 121:8). This promise extends to all our daily activities, whether we are venturing out or returning home. God's watchful care accompanies us throughout our lives, offering a sense of security and peace. This covenantal covering is a blessing for all who submit to God's kingdom.
While life is not without its challenges and dangers (Psalms 22:12–18; 25:16; John 16:33), Psalms 121 reminds us that we are not alone. We can have confidence that God is in control (Romans 8:37–39), watching over us with unwavering love and care, both now and into eternity. Let this psalm encourage you to lift your eyes to the Lord, trusting in His protection and provision, knowing that your help comes from Him, the Maker of heaven and earth.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalms 121 is a powerful song of ascent, one of fifteen (Psalms 120–134) likely sung by pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Exodus 23:14–17). As they journeyed through the hills, these songs would have filled their hearts with hope and anticipation, reminding them of God's presence and protection. While the authorship of most of these psalms remains anonymous, David penned Psalms 122, 124, 131, and 133, and Solomon wrote Psalm 127.
This particular psalm beautifully articulates the theme of God's unwavering care for His people. The Hebrew word for "keep" or "watch over" appears repeatedly (Psalms 121:3, 4, 5, 7, 8), emphasizing the Lord's constant vigilance. This is the same word used in Genesis 2:15, describing Adam's responsibility to tend and protect the Garden of Eden, highlighting God's intention for diligent care.
From Where Does My Help Come?
The psalm opens with a question, a heartfelt inquiry amidst the challenging journey: "I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where does my help come?" (Psalms 121:1). The psalmist, surrounded by the imposing mountains of Israel, acknowledges their apparent strength. Perhaps the towering rocks reminded him of his own vulnerability and the potential dangers of the road – threats from robbers or the harsh elements. But he quickly realizes that true security doesn't reside in the physical landscape.
The answer resounds with unwavering faith: "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Psalms 121:2). The psalmist understands that the mountains, mighty as they are, were created by God. True protection and provision originate not from earthly sources, but from the Creator Himself. This is a crucial reminder that our ultimate reliance should always be on the Lord, the source of all power and goodness.
The Lord, Our Protector
The tone of the psalm shifts, perhaps representing a communal response or an inner conviction solidifying. The assurance continues, focusing on God's active and constant protection. "He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber" (Psalms 121:3). God's protection is steadfast; He is always alert and attentive to our needs. He is not like a watchman who might fall asleep at his post. "Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalms 121:4). This reinforces the idea of God's tireless watchfulness over His people.
This unwavering protection extends to all aspects of life. "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand" (Psalms 121:5). God provides shelter and refuge, shielding us from harm like a shade protects from the scorching sun. He is always at our side, ready to defend and support us.
Protection Day and Night
The psalm continues to paint a picture of comprehensive care. "The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night" (Psalms 121:6). This speaks to God's protection from all manner of evil, both physical and spiritual, and from the dangers associated with both day and night.
The Lord's protection is all-encompassing, guarding us from all evil and preserving our very souls. "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your soul" (Psalms 121:7). This promise offers comfort and reassurance, reminding us that God is deeply invested in our well-being, both now and eternally.
From This Time Forth and Forevermore
The psalm concludes with a beautiful affirmation of God's enduring protection. "The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore" (Psalms 121:8). This promise extends to all our daily activities, whether we are venturing out or returning home. God's watchful care accompanies us throughout our lives, offering a sense of security and peace. This covenantal covering is a blessing for all who submit to God's kingdom.
While life is not without its challenges and dangers (Psalms 22:12–18; 25:16; John 16:33), Psalms 121 reminds us that we are not alone. We can have confidence that God is in control (Romans 8:37–39), watching over us with unwavering love and care, both now and into eternity. Let this psalm encourage you to lift your eyes to the Lord, trusting in His protection and provision, knowing that your help comes from Him, the Maker of heaven and earth.