A song of ascents.
Psalms 120-134 are called “the psalms of ascents.” A better name would be “the songs of the pilgrim caravans.” These pilgrimage songs were sung when Israel families traveled upwards to Jerusalem (usually in caravans) during the Jewish feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Four of these songs were attributed to David. Solomon wrote one of these songs. The other ten songs are anonymous. The author of Psalm 121 is unknown.
121:1 I look up toward the hills. From where does my help come?
The psalmist left Moscow and Arabia with a caravan (see notes on Psalm 120:5). He is now approaching the hill country which surrounds all four sides of Jerusalem.
121:2 My help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth!
The psalmist answered his own question. No, the psalmist does not receive help from the demonic idols of the hills surrounding Jerusalem. The psalmist’s help comes from Jehovah, who is the Creator God of the heavens and the earth.
121:3 May he not allow your foot to slip! May your protector not sleep!
There were no Holiday Inn’s, Ramada’s, or Motel 6’s in that day. During the night, the psalmist had to camp on the roads. Who will protect the psalmist when he sleeps on the road?
121:4 Look! Israel’s protector does not sleep or slumber!
Jehovah never sleeps. Jehovah will protect the psalmist and the other believers who are traveling to Jerusalem to worship.
121:5 The Lord is your protector; the Lord is the shade at your right hand.
Jehovah will protect the psalmist and his caravan as they travel to the Jewish festivals. Jehovah will provide shade for them during the hot travel days.
121:6 The sun will not harm you by day, or the moon by night.
The Jewish caravan will not be sunburned. The moon will not make them go crazy (as many pagan religions taught).
121:7 The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life.
Jehovah will not allow the psalmist and his caravan to suffer injury. All of the members of the caravan would survive.
121:8 The Lord will protect you in all you do, now and forevermore.
Jehovah will protect the psalmist and his caravan for eternity. Nothing can happen to a believer unless God allows it. Therefore, be bold in the Lord and expect protection.