Psalm 121 is one of the “songs of ascents”, sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for the feasts. The road was long and dangerous. Looking at the hills ahead, the traveller asks where help will come from, and answers with confidence.
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
King James Version
Key ideas
- Help from the Creator (verses 1–2): the God who made heaven and earth is strong enough for any danger.
- A God who never sleeps (verses 3–4): unlike idols or human guards, he is always awake.
- Protection day and night (verses 5–6): the sun by day and the moon by night were images of every possible threat.
- For the whole journey (verses 7–8): going out and coming in, now and for evermore.
For today
The psalm does not promise a life without difficulty; the pilgrim still walks the road. It promises that we never walk it alone. Many families read it before a trip, a hospital stay or a new beginning.
Questions for a small group
- What are the “hills” in front of you this season?
- Which verse would you like to remember this week?
- How can we keep watch over one another as a church?
Read the psalm and its neighbours in the online Bible.
