Psalm 121 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Psalm 121 Short Summary:

God is the perfect protector of Psalm 121. His help arrives on the horizon to those who look for Him. He is a guardian during the day and night. He is the shade to protect us from the sun and the watchman who never sleeps at night. He guards our “going out” and our “coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

Psalm 121 Summary

AUTHOR:

• The author of Psalm 121 is not stated in the text.  

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES:

• No Known New Testament References.

THEMES:

• God is an ally who will always send us help.

• He is a guardian for His people. A shade tree from the sun and a watchman who never sleeps.

DEFINITIONS:

• Song of Ascents (121:1) – The exact meaning of this term is debated, but many believe it was a label applied to psalms the people of Israel sang as they were travelling to Jerusalem for the holy days. Jerusalem was on the top of a hill, so the people would have physically ascended as they walked up to the Temple.

OUTLINE:

• I LIFT MY EYES TO THE HILLS (121:1-8):

  • The author of Psalm 121 was waiting for God’s help.

  • He described himself fixing his eyes on the surrounding hilltops, as if he were waiting for an army of allies to break the crest of the hill and come into sight.  

  • It wasn’t a physical army he wanted; it was the help of the Creator of heaven and earth.

  • God is like a watchman who never falls asleep, He is always aware and protecting His people.

  • The psalmist wrote, “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (121:4).

  • God is a protector at night, but also during the day.

  • He was the shade that protected His people from the heat of the sun.

  • “The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your goings out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore” (121:8).

APPLICATION:

• Little kids often have imaginary friends. It’s pleasant and comforting to them to think someone is always with them, perhaps protecting them from the monsters under their beds.

• As adults, we grow out of believing in unfounded friends, but our longing to always have someone there for us never really goes away.

• While there isn’t much evidence for imaginary friends, there is really good evidence that we have a spiritual friend who cares about us.

• He has written to us, telling us how to enjoy His friendship, His fatherhood, His presence, and His protection at all times and in every place.