Psalm 121:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

NIV: the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

NASB: The sun will not beat down on you by day, Nor the moon by night.

CSB: The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.

NLT: The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

KJV: The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

NKJV: The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.

In Israel's hot climate it is possible to experience sunstroke. Also, after the sun sets and night comes, the temperature often drops considerably. Camping out in the cold might cause travelers to become ill. However, in this verse the travelers express their confidence that God would not allow them to experience ill effects from the daytime or the nighttime because of the Lord's watchful care. This confidence is partly literal; these "songs of ascent" were used by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for feasts. That often required staying overnight along the roadways (Psalm 121:1–2).

This reference is also symbolic of how God still watches over His people. He cares for us day and night. Psalm 91:1 promises: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Jesus assured His followers there was no need to worry because our heavenly Father provides for us (Matthew 6:25–33).

First Peter 5:7 assures us that He cares for us, and Philippians 4:19 says He will supply every need we have "according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." God can, and will, allow believers to experience earthly dangers and harms, at times (John 16:33; Psalm 25:16). However, we can also be unaware of the many times our heavenly Father protects us from danger or provides for us when we have a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual need. Our response should be to thank God for His daily protection and provision (Romans 8:37–39; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Philippians 4:4-8).

Psalm 121:3–8 continues the theme of God's protection of His people. It portrays Him as the guardian of Israel who never rests from His care of His people. He would watch over the travelers to Jerusalem both day and night. He would protect them from the blazing heat of the sun and from the cold nighttime temperatures. He would also watch over His people throughout the course of their daily activities.

Songs of ascent were probably used to pass the time as pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem for one of the required feasts. In this example, someone comments about the hills, possibly worried about the presence of robbers. They express faith in God's protection. This is echoed, perhaps by others in the traveling party. They point out that God is never caught unaware, and that His loving guidance of His people will never end.

This psalm is the second identified as a "song of ascent." The songs of ascent are Psalms 120–134. These were sung as the people of Israel journeyed through the hills on their way to Jerusalem to observe the annual festivals. David is credited with authoring Psalms 122, 124, 131, and 133. Solomon is cited as the author of Psalm 127, and the rest are anonymous. The leader of the worshipers began Psalm 121 by voicing verses 1 and 2, and others responded with the verses that follow.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.