Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 121

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

The leader of the group of pilgrims uses word pictures to assure the group of the Lord’s presence during the journey.

The mountains were known for idol worship (Deuteronomy 12:2), and Israel was drawn to the hilltop shrines (Hosea 4:13). This verse can be seen as a rhetorical question expecting a "no" answer: The gods of the hilltop shrines cannot save anyone.

Others understand the mountains to be a symbol of the Lord’s strength (Psalm 95:4). In that case, the question would be taken literally (From where does my help come?), with the answer in the next verse.

• The Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2) protects Israel.

• God stands with Israel, offering support and care to the faithful (see Psalm 16:7–8).

• Both the sun and the moon were worshiped as gods in the ancient Near East. But God limits their power. They are part of creation and also praise the Lord (Psalm 148:3).

God watches over his own, even and especially when they face many troubles (Psalms 12:5, 7; 69:29; 91:14; 146:9).