Psalms 121:8

Verse Psalms 121:8. Thy going out and thy coming in] Night and day - in all thy business and undertakings; and this through the whole course of thy life: for evermore.

ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST PSALM

The scope of this Psalm is to show that God alone is the refuge of the distressed.

I. While some are looking for earthly comfort and support, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," c.

II. Faith sees God, the only helper and says, "My help is the Lord."

And the first reason for this is given: God's omnipotence and sufficiency. "The Lord that made heaven and earth," and is consequently the author and dispenser of all spiritual and temporal blessings.

And the second reason is, his grace and goodness; "he will not suffer thy foot to be moved."

A third reason is, his watchful care: "He that keepeth thee will not slumber."

III. The end which God proposes in his watching, - to keep them.

1. He is the "Keeper of Israel." He guards his Church; he is as a wall of fire about it.

2. He is a shade. This certainly refers to that kind of umbraculum, or parasol, which was in very ancient use in the eastern countries. The sense of the passage is, Neither the day of prosperity nor the night of adversity shall hurt thee; nor the heat of persecution, nor the coldness of friends or relatives: all these shall work for thy good.

3. "He shall preserve thee from all evil;" - and,

4. Especially from every thing that might hurt thy soul: "He shall preserve thy soul."

The psalmist concludes with this encouraging assurance.

1. "The Lord shall preserve thy going out." We are always beginning or ending some action, going abroad or returning home; and we need the protecting care of God in all.

2. "From this time forth." Now that thou hast put thy whole trust and confidence in God, he will be thy continual portion and defence in all places, in all times, in all actions; in life, in prosperity, in adversity, in death, in time, and in eternity.