Bible Commentaries
Psalms 121

Verses 1-8

Psalms 121

The Lord Is My Helper

Scripture v. 1-8:

Verse 1 is a resolve of the psalmist to lift up his eyes "unto (or beyond) the hills (above and beyond them, to heaven), from whence cometh (continually) my help," even from the Lord of the heavens; Though in this ascending psalm, chanted or sung on the way up to Zion for annual feasts, they looked for the hills of Zion, those surrounding Jerusalem, their faith vision was of God who made the hills, who existed as their help, at His chosen seat in Zion, Psalms 24:3; Psalms 25:1; La 3:41. It is not the hills that gave help, but the Lord of the hills, Psalms 3:4; Psalms 14:7; Psalms 20:2; Exodus 15:7.

Verse 2 adds, "my help cometh (continuously) from the Lord, who made heaven and earth," Psalms 115:15. Those who have such an helper need never despair, Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 3:23.

Verse 3 assures that "He will not suffer (permit) thy foot to be moved (to slip): slumber," become derelict in guarding, protecting you, for even one moment, as assured 1 Samuel 2:9; Proverbs 3:23; Proverbs 3:26; Psalms 127:1; Isaiah 27:3; Hebrews 13:5.

Verse 4 adds "behold (take note, observe) he that keepeth Israel (continually as) thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand," your "shade-shelter" from the pilgrim exposure to the burning sun, upon the "right hand," position of protection, further assured, Isaiah 25:4; Psalms 16:8; Psalms 109:31.

Verse 6 pledges "the sun shall not smite thee by day," with its blistering heat, "nor the moon by night." The pledge is one of Divine help, available to the godly by day and by night, continually; The moon "rules the night," Genesis 1:16, as the sun governs the day; Genesis 31:40; Jeremiah 36:30.

The moon has very blind-damaging rays to those who sleep in the open desert at night, unless they cover their eyes while sleeping; yet God cares for His own, no lasting hurt shall befall His people, as expressed further, Psalms 91:5; Isaiah 49:10; Revelation 7:16.

Verse 7 asserts "the Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul," assuring the fearful believer, repeatedly of God’s love and certain care for His own, Psalms 41:2; Psalms 97:10; Psalms 145:20.

Verse 8 concludes "the Lord shall, (not may), preserve (protect) thy going out, and thy coming in," your travels in every direction, "from this time (moment) forth, and even for evermore," as covenanted Deuteronomy 28:6; Proverbs 2:8; Proverbs 3:6. Whatever you undertake, if honorable, He will protect, from beginning to the end or completion. When God started His creation He did not cease till He finished, an example for man’s perseverance, in all that is good; Be no quitter, Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5.