PSALM 121[A][Psalm 121] A blessing given to someone embarking on a dangerous journey whether a soldier going on a campaign or a pilgrim returning home from the Temple. People look anxiously at the wooded hills. Will God protect them on their journey (Ps 121:1)? The speaker declares that God is not confined to a place or a time (Ps 121:2), that every step is guarded (3–4); night and day (Ps 121:5–6) God watches over their every movement (Ps 121:7–8). The Lord My Guardian 121
1A song of ascents.
I raise my eyes toward the mountains.[B][121:1] The mountains: possibly Mount Zion, the site of the Temple and hence of safety, but more probably mountains as a place of dangers, causing anxiety to the psalmist.
From whence shall come my help?
2My help comes from the LORD,
the maker of heaven and earth.
3He will not allow your foot to slip;
or your guardian to sleep.
4Behold, the guardian of Israel
never slumbers nor sleeps.
5[C][121:5–6] The image of shade, a symbol of protection, is apt: God as shade protects from the harmful effects that ancients believed were caused by the sun and moon.The LORD is your guardian;
the LORD is your shade
at your right hand.
6By day the sun will not strike you,
nor the moon by night.
7The LORD will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your soul.
8The LORD will guard your coming and going
both now and forever. New American Bible Revised Edition® / © 2010 CCD, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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