Psalms 121

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 121

1¶ A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalms 121 declares that true help comes from the LORD, the Creator of heaven and earth. It affirms God's unceasing watchfulness over His people, assuring that He neither slumbers nor sleeps. The psalm emphasizes the LORD's role as a constant protector, preserving individuals from all harm, both day and night, and safeguarding their lives perpetually.

Medium Summary

This "Song of Degrees" begins with the psalmist looking to the hills, seeking the source of his aid. He quickly resolves that his help originates solely from the LORD, the omnipotent Creator of the universe. The psalm then transitions into a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering vigilance, stating that He who keeps His people, and specifically Israel, will not allow their foot to be moved, nor will He ever slumber or sleep. The LORD is described as a personal keeper and a protective shade, shielding individuals from the perils of both day and night. This divine preservation extends to all forms of evil, safeguarding the soul and ensuring protection in all life's journeys, from beginning to end, and for all time.

Long Summary

Psalms 121, identified as a "Song of Degrees," opens with the psalmist's contemplative gaze towards the hills, pondering the origin of his assistance. The immediate and resolute answer is provided: help comes exclusively from the LORD, who is identified as the sovereign Creator of both heaven and earth. This foundational truth establishes the omnipotence of the source of aid. The psalm then transitions to a profound declaration of God's ceaseless watchfulness and protective care. It assures the worshipper that the LORD will not permit their foot to stumble, emphasizing His active and constant guardianship. A key affirmation is that the divine Keeper, specifically the one who watches over Israel, neither slumbers nor sleeps, highlighting His perpetual vigilance. The LORD is further depicted as a personal guardian, serving as a protective shade at one's right hand, offering immediate and intimate defense. This divine protection is comprehensive, shielding individuals from the harmful effects of the sun by day and the moon by night. Moreover, the psalm asserts that the LORD will preserve the individual from all forms of evil, extending His care to the very soul. The scope of this preservation is universal, encompassing one's "going out and coming in," signifying all life's activities and transitions. This unwavering divine safeguard is promised to endure from the present moment and "even for evermore," underscoring the eternal nature of God's protective covenant.

Core Concepts

  • Divine HelpThe psalmist declares that his help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth, establishing God as the ultimate and omnipotent source of aid.
  • Unceasing VigilanceThe LORD, as the keeper of Israel, is affirmed to neither slumber nor sleep, signifying His constant and unwavering attention to His people's needs and safety.
  • Divine PreservationThe psalm repeatedly emphasizes the LORD's role in preserving His people from stumbling, from environmental dangers, and from all evil, extending even to the preservation of the soul.
  • The LORD as KeeperThe LORD is explicitly called "thy keeper" and "thy shade upon thy right hand," illustrating His close, personal, and protective presence in the life of the believer.
  • Comprehensive ProtectionProtection is promised from sun by day and moon by night, and for "thy going out and thy coming in," signifying safeguarding in all daily activities and throughout one's entire life journey.
  • Eternal SecurityThe psalm concludes by stating that the LORD's preservation will be "from this time forth, and even for evermore," highlighting the perpetual and everlasting quality of His care.