Psalms 121:1-6

The Lord Our Protector

1

A song of ascents.

1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.^[a]

3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.

5 The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.^[b]

6 The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.

Psalms 121:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 121

\\<>\\. The inscription of the Syriac version is, ``one of the songs of ascent out of Babylon.'' Aben Ezra thinks it was composed on account of Israel, when in a siege and distress; or, adds he, on account of the children of our captivity; the present state of the Jews. Grotius is of opinion it was written by David, at the time of the battle with Absalom. Some take it to be a military psalm, proper for soldiers engaged with an enemy: others, that it is suitable for travellers when on a journey; and why not for persons also, when they commit themselves to God in the night watches, and about to take rest? And indeed it is suitable at all times; when the good man may, with the psalmist, expect divine help, and be secure of protection and preservation.

Footnotes

• [a]. Ps 124:8
• [b]. Lit is your shelter at your right hand