Psalms 121 - Printer Friendly

The theme of Psalm 121 is God's care of His people. Variations of the Hebrew root word for "keep" appear in verses 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. This is the same term used in Genesis 2:15 to describe Adam's intended role in Eden. The sense of the word is to watch over.

The people journeying to Jerusalem for yearly feasts (Exodus 23:14–17) could face many dangers. Among the more potent threats was that of robbers. Anyone making their way from a distant place to Jerusalem needed to trust God to watch over them. As the psalmist looked at the hills through which he traveled, his thoughts rose above the hills to God, the Creator. He assured himself that his safety came from the Lord (Psalm 121:1–2).

Between verses 2 and 3, the voice seems to change. Rather than someone speaking to themselves, or about themselves, the words are now directed from one person to another. This might be other members of a traveling group speaking to encourage the first speaker. That response agrees that the Lord would not allow the psalmist to stumble, nor would God relax His protection. God cannot be taken off guard, or surprised, like someone who falls asleep (Psalm 121:3–4).

Supportive words from this psalm also refer to natural risks such as exposure. God is said to watch over His people as they faced the risks of life on a fallen earth. Furthermore, the Lord would watch over His people in all their daily activities: their "going out and coming in." While safety is not guaranteed in life (Psalm 22:12–18; 25:16; John 16:33), believers can be confident that God is in control of all that happens (Romans 8:37–39). That awareness and care will extend into eternity (Psalm 121:5–8).

Psalm 121:1–2 begins another "song of ascent." These were apparently sung by those traveling to Jerusalem to observe one of the three mandatory annual feasts (Exodus 23:14–17). The writer is journeying through the hills on the way to Jerusalem to observe an annual festival. As he looks around, he sees the hills that might harbor robbers. He asks, therefore, where his protection lies. He answers that his help comes from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. This fact would comfort and encourage him as he traveled.

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.