Psalm 121:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

NIV: indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

NASB: Behold, He who watches over Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.

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

NLT: Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

KJV: Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

NKJV: Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Continuing the encouragement of the prior verse (Psalm 121:3), the second voice of this psalm assures the first speaker that God is never caught unaware. God is perfectly aware of all that happens or will happen. At all times He watches over His people and is their Guardian.

The Hebrew word translated "keep" comes from the same word used in Genesis 2:15, when the Lord took Adam and put him in the garden of Eden. It was Adam's responsibility to take good care of the garden: to "keep" it. Similarly, the Lord promised to take good care of Jacob and his descendants, the people of Israel. Genesis 28:15 reports the Lord's promise: "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go." History is replete with evidence of the Lord's preservation of Israel. From Israel's escape from slavery in Egypt until today, Israel has survived numerous efforts to annihilate the race, but Israel has always emerged.

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.

Accessed 5/5/2024 7:04:11 PM