Psalm 121 - some jottings

Again, possibly look away now if you are going to hear me preach tomorrow.


Goldingay: Yahweh as helper, maker, guard


Inclusion: come (v1); coming (v8)


Vv1-2: God the creator

Vv3-4: Israel’s confession of Yahweh

Vv5-end: a declaration of personal trust in Yahweh’s protection



Wilcock: the psalmist may have intended a division into 3vv, vv1-2, 3-5 and 6-8



Vv1-2: A question and a confession


Vv1 and 2 – first person (I);

vv3-8 third person (he);

The Psalmist’s subjective predicament is answered by the objective reality of God and what He will do



Vv1 and 2 – an internal dialogue or two or more imagined speakers

Vv3-8 could be a different speaker e.g. a minister to the king


Kidner: “The word “keep”, or “keeper”, comes often in this psalm. Protection is a burning issue for a pilgrim who is travelling arduously and through lonely country.”

Keep 6x – God the keeper / guardian / protective watcher


Wilcock: “God the Creator and his keeping power are the theme of the Psalm.”

 
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Motyer:



Security



The question (v1)

The answer (1): Yahweh the creator (v2)

The answer (2): Yahweh, God of Israel, the Redeemer (vv3-4)

The answer (3): Yahweh our companion and protection (vv5-6)

Summary: Comprehensive protection (vv7-8)



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Expositor’s Bible Commentary



Yahweh is my Guardian



(1) Yahweh is the creator (vv1-2)

(2) Yahweh, the Guardian of Israel (vv3-4)

(3) Yahweh is “Your” Guardian (vv5-6)

(4) Blessing (vv7-8)