Psalms
Psalm 121
KJV
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Overview
Psalm 121 is a Song of Ascents centered on where help comes from and on the LORD as the one who keeps his people. Its images move from hills and a pilgrim's footing to sleepless watchfulness, shade, sun and moon, and finally the whole pattern of going out and coming in.
Setting and context
The repeated verb 'keep' gives the psalm its structure. The language is poetic assurance of God's faithful care, not a promise that faithful people will never experience injury, illness, persecution, bereavement, or ordinary danger. Trust in divine care can coexist with medicine, safety planning, lawful protection, and prudent action.
Themes
Help from the Creator · God's constant keeping care · Trust through day and night · The whole journey under God's care
Key passages
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Questions readers ask
What is the main message of Psalm 121? The psalm directs the pilgrim's confidence to the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth, whose keeping care is described as constant and comprehensive. Does Psalm 121 promise that nothing bad will ever happen? No. Its poetry expresses trust in God's faithful care; it is not a guarantee of immunity from every injury, illness, loss, persecution, or death.