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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 121, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. {I will...: or, Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hills? whence should my help come?}
Psalms 121:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 My help {cometh} from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalms 121:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Psalms 121:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalms 121:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 The LORD {is} thy keeper: the LORD {is} thy shade upon thy right hand.
Psalms 121:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
Psalms 121:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
Psalms 121:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalms 121:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.