Psalms 121:1-8

Psalms 121:1. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. Zion and mount Moriah, on which the temple stood. See on Psalms 125:2.

REFLECTIONS.

In the preseding psalm we found the man of God mourning in exile; here we find him rejoicing under the covenant care and peculiar protection of providence. He would lift up his eyes to the hill of Zion, where the Lord dwelt in his glory. Or if we read, Shall I lift my eyes to the hills, where Israel has the advantage in battle, or where idols are adored? Jeremiah 3:23. Nay: for my help cometh from the Lord. In both cases the sense is much the same, for he would look to none but God.

The Lord was his shepherd, who cannot sleep. He also would keep his foot that his body should not be injured, and that his mind should not err.

The Lord was his shadow, even as a broad banana tree, to defend him from the solar heat, or shelter him from the lunar cold, and the damps of night. By these extremes, the strength of armies is more wasted than by the sword. Such is the throne of grace to the saints. The sun shall not alight upon them, nor any heat, for the Lord is as the shadow of a great rock in a weary wilderness.

The Lord also would bless the work of his hands. In all the hardy and healthy labours of the field, in all the journies and fatigues of business, or in every voyage at sea, the Lord would bless the good man's going out and his coming in. Holy happy then are they who live in close union and fellowship with God. When he undertakes their cause, every arrow of the wicked shall miss its mark.