Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 121:1

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come?" — Psalms 121:1 (ASV)

I will lift up mine eyes — Margin, “Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hills? Whence should my help come?” The expression would properly denote a condition where there was danger, when no help or aid was visible, and when the eyes were turned to the quarter from which help might be expected to come. What the danger was cannot now be ascertained.

Unto the hills — Hebrew, the mountains. This refers to the quarter from where I look for assistance. This (as has been shown in the Introduction) may refer to:

1. to the mountains from where one in danger expected help; or
2. to heaven, considered as high, and as the abode of God; or
3. to the hills on which Jerusalem was built, as the place where God dwelled, and from where aid was expected.

The third of these is the most probable. The first would be applicable to a state of war only, and the second is forced and unnatural. Adopting the third interpretation, the language is natural and makes it proper to be used at all times, since it indicates a proper looking to God as he manifests himself to people, particularly in the church.

From whence cometh my help — A more literal rendering would be, “Whence cometh my help?” This accords best with the usage of the Hebrew word and agrees well with the connection. It indicates a troubled and anxious state of mind—a mind that asks, “Where shall I look for help?” The answer is found in the following verse.