Psalm 121

1 I lifted up mine eyes to the mountains, whence my help shall come.

2 My help shall come from the Lord, who made the heaven and the earth.

3 Let not thy foot be moved; and let not thy keeper slumber.

4 Behold, he that keeps Israel shall not slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord shall keep thee: the Lord is thy shelter upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not burn thee by day, neither the moon by night.

7 May the Lord preserve thee from all evil: the Lord shall keep thy soul.

8 The Lord shall keep thy coming in, and thy going out, from henceforth and even for ever.

Psalm 121 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.