Psalm 121:5-8

God our Guide: a New Year's psalm. In whatever special circumstances, or for whatever particular occasion, this psalm may have been written, it is certain that it is admirably suited to suggest New Year's thoughts to our minds. We shall best appreciate it if we consider— I. THE GREATNESS OF OUR NEED . We have sometimes to face the future, and then we confront: 1. Certainties ; duties, difficulties, vexations, trials, temptations, opportunities. 2. Uncertainties ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:1-8

Kept from all evil. This is what the writer of this precious psalm looks for from God (see the first two verses), and this is what the psalm promises, and that with the utmost particularity. There shall not be even a slip of the foot, a thing so common in mountainous lands, and often so perilous, and the keeping shall be night and day alike, and close at hand ( Psalms 121:5 ). The Lord himself shall see to if, whether during the heat of the day or the chill of the night, it matters not.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:1-8

The Source of help. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," etc. I. A STRONG , DEEP SENSE OF DEPENDENCE ON GOD IMPLANTED IN US . II. WE MUST LIFT OURSELVES UP IN THE WHOLE POWER OF OUR BEING TO REALIZE GOD 'S NEARNESS TO HELP US . He dwelt in the mountain-group of Zion at Jerusalem, and in the other mountains of Israel. We have been taught to realize that God is Spirit, and dwells near us, as well as in the far-off... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:5

The Lord is thy Keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand . "Thy shade" means "thy protection." "thy defense." Protection was especially needed on the right hand, as the side which no shield guarded. Latin writers call the right side "latus aperture." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:6

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. These were the chief dangers of travelers, whether pilgrims or others. Coup de soleil was feared by day, and the deleterious influence of the moon's rays by night. This last has sometimes been doubted, but the observation of modern travelers seems to show that bad effects actually fellow on sleeping in the moonlight in hot countries. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:6

Types of peril by day and by night. The sun and the moon. To understand these figures, it is necessary to keep in mind, not only what the sun and moon actually are in Eastern countries, but also the sentiments which have gathered about them in those lands. I. THE SUN IS THE TYPE OF THE OPEN PERILS OF THE GODLY LIFE . The sun strikes openly, and is especially perilous when it strikes on the lower part of the back of the head. Men know this, and are duly warned... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:7

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil ; or, "keep thee." The same verb is used throughout. He shall preserve thy soul; or, keep thy soul. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:7

Evil as God sees it. "All evil." All kinds of evil. We may not think that God estimates evil precisely as we do. In this "God's thoughts are not as our thoughts." One important distinction may be Pointed out here. We think evil to be that which injuriously affects our circumstances; God sees evil as that which injuriously affects us. Consequently, some of the things which we call evil God does not so call, because their influence on us is good . And if this be so, the mere change... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 121:7

The safety of our life. "He shall keep thy soul." The term " soul " stands often in the Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments for the animal life; but we use it for that spiritual being which man is , as distinguished from that bodily form which man has. Taking the first idea, it may be shown that God's care of our natural life involves and includes all due provision for the thousandfold needs of that life. The greater includes the less. The daily renewed gift of life... read more

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