Bible Commentary

Psalms 121

Psalms 121 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

Some call this the soldier's psalm, and think it was penned in the camp, when David was hazarding his life in the high places of the field, and thus trusted God to cover his head in the day of battle. Others call it the traveller's psalm (for there is nothing in it of military dangers) and think David penned it when he was going abroad, and designed it pro vehiculo--for the carriage, for a good man's convoy and companion in a journey or voyage. But we need not thus appropriate it; wherever we are, at home or abroad, we are exposed to danger more than we are aware of; and this psalm directs and encourages us to repose ourselves and our confidence in God, and by faith to put ourselves under his protection and commit ourselves to his care, which we must do, with an entire resignation and satisfaction, in singing this psalm. I. David here assures himself of help from God, ver. 1, 2. II. He assures others of it, ver. 3-8.

Confidence in God.

A song of degrees.

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Psalms 121 — OverviewPsalms 121 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 121:1, The great safety of the godly, who put their trust in God’s protection. Psalms 120:1 *titlePsalms 121 — OverviewPsalms 121 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSong of degrees. The inscription of the Syriac version is,"one of the songs of ascent out of Babylon.''Aben Ezra thinks it was composed on account of Israel, when in a siege and distress; or, adds he, on account of the…Psalms 121:1-8Psalms 121:1-8 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis psalm teaches us, I. To stay ourselves upon God as a God of power and a God all-sufficient for us. David did so and found the benefit of it. 1. We must not rely upon creatures, upon men and means,…Psalms 121:1Psalms 121:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryI 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…Psalms 121:1-8Psalms 121:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION 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…Psalms 121:1-8Psalms 121:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryGod 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…