Psalms 121

Psalm 121#sn Psalm 121. The psalm affirms that the Lord protects his people Israel. Unless the psalmist addresses an observer (note the second person singular forms in vv. 3-8), it appears there are two or three speakers represented in the psalm, depending on how one takes v. 3. The translation assumes that speaker one talks in vv. 1-2, that speaker two responds to him with a prayer in v. 3 (this assumes the verbs are true jussives of prayer), and that speaker three responds with words of assurance in vv. 4-8. If the verbs in v. 3 are taken as a rhetorical use of the jussive, then there are two speakers. Verses 3-8 are speaker two’s response to the words of speaker one. See the note on the word “sleep” at the end of v. 3.

A song of ascents.#sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.

1I look up toward the hills. From where does my help come?

2My help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth!

3May he not allow your foot to slip! May your protector not sleep!

4Look! Israel’s protector does not sleep or slumber!

5The Lord is your protector; the Lord is the shade at your right hand.

6The sun will not harm you by day, or the moon by night.

7The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life.

8The Lord will protect you in all you do, now and forevermore.