Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 121:1-8

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come? My help [cometh] from Jehovah, Who 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 Will neither slumber nor sleep. Jehovah is thy keeper: Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night. Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; He will keep thy soul. Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and for evermore." — Psalms 121:1-8 (ASV)

We must not rely upon people and means, instruments and second causes. Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills? Upon princes and great people? 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 what they are to us. 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 who 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 will find God ready to give them success. He will take care that His people will not fall.

You will not be hurt, neither by the open assaults nor by the secret attempts of your enemies. The Lord will prevent the evil you fear, and sanctify, remove, or lighten the evil you feel. He will preserve the soul, so that it is not defiled by sin and disturbed by affliction; He will preserve it from perishing eternally.

He will keep you in life and death; going out to your labour in the morning of your days, and coming home to your rest when the evening of old age calls you in. It is a protection for life. The Spirit, who is their Preserver and Comforter, will abide with them forever. Let us be found in our work, assured that the blessings promised in this psalm are ours.