Psalms 121

Psalms 121:1-8

The Preserver. A song of the ascents. But the next psalm shows itself to be indeed “a song of ascents.” Although not the full blessing,which the psalm following is to bring, yet the soul has found its help and its Preserver, -found it where alone help is, in the living God. The first part of the first verse is not, as some would make it, a question. For an Israelite the presence of God naturally connects itself with Zion; the place of His rest, but where as yet He is not found. The psalmist looks there, but as yet only questioningly. But not questionable, nevertheless, is the source of his help: it is found in Him whose is not merely Zion; but heaven and earth. His refuge is in His unslumbering care, keeping the feet of him who is still a pilgrim. He is Israel’s Keeper: so faith, even from afar off, claims Him; -Jehovah, the faithful covenant-keeping God.

The Pillar of Cloud by day again appears in the shade upon the right hand which forbids the scorching sun of the desert to smite the people of God, or the moon by night: (for the moon can affect both eyes and brain). But this is only an illustration of wider and perfect protection: Jehovah shall keep thee from all evil: He shall keep thy soul." The last verse answers, in its number attached, to what is expressed definitely in it: “Jehovah shall keep thy going out and coming in; from henceforth even for ever.” Eternity shall have its blessed activities, realized in as blessed dependence on the unfailing God.