Bible Commentary

Psalms 121:1-8

Matthew Henry on Psalms 121:1-8

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

We must not rely upon men and means, instruments and second causes. Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills? upon princes and great men? No; my confidence is in God only. Or, we must lift up our eyes above the hills; we must look to God who makes all earthly things to us what they are.

We must see all our help in God; from him we must expect it, in his own way and time. This psalm teaches us to comfort ourselves in the Lord, when difficulties and dangers are greatest. It is almighty wisdom that contrives, and almighty power that works the safety of those that put themselves under God's protection.

He is a wakeful, watchful Keeper; he is never weary; he not only does not sleep, but he does not so much as slumber. Under this shade they may sit with delight and assurance. He is always near his people for their protection and refreshment.

The right hand is the working hand; let them but turn to their duty, and they shall find God ready to give them success. He will take care that his people shall not fall. Thou shalt not be hurt, neither by the open assaults, nor by the secret attempts of thine enemies.

The Lord shall prevent the evil thou fearest, and sanctify, remove, or lighten the evil thou feelest. He will preserve the soul, that it be not defiled by sin, and disturbed by affliction; he will preserve it from perishing eternally.

He will keep thee in life and death; going out to thy labour in the morning of thy days, and coming home to thy rest when the evening of old age calls thee in. It is a protection for life. The Spirit, who is their Preserver and Comforter, shall abide with them for ever.

Let us be found in our work, assured that the blessings promised in this psalm are ours.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. The "holy hills," that stand round about Jerusalem, are intended (Psalms 87:1; Psalms 125:2). There God had "promised his blessing, even life forevermore" (Psalms 133:3). From wh…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:1-8The Source of help. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," etc. I. A STRONG, DEEP SENSE OF DEPENDENCE ON GOD IMPLANTED IN US. II. WE MUST LIFT OURSELVES UP IN THE WHOLE POWER OF OUR BEING TO REALIZE GOD'S NEARNESS T…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:1-8EXPOSITION THE preceding psalm is one of complaint; the present, one of comfort and consolation. The pilgrim lifts up his eyes to the hills, and is satisfied that help is coming to him. He then proceeds to cheer himself…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:1-8God our Guide: a New Year's psalm. In whatever special circumstances, or for whatever particular occasion, this psalm may have been written, it is certain that it is admirably suited to suggest New Year's thoughts to ou…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:1-8Kept from all evil. This is what the writer of this precious psalm looks for from God (see the first two verses), and this is what the psalm promises, and that with the utmost particularity. There shall not be even a sl…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:2My help cometh from the Lord; literally, my help is from the Lord. He alone has both the power and the will to assist me. Which made heaven and earth; i.e. "which is omnipotent."Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved. The psalmist addresses himself with consolatory assurances. God will not allow any evil to approach him, so as to do him hurt. He that keepeth thee will not slumber. God does not…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 121:4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The assurance rises from the particular to the general. It is not one Israelite alone over whom God will watch unceasingly, but the whole people of Israel.Joseph S. Exell and contributors