Commonplace –
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
In his description of this psalm, Matthew Henry writes:
“…wherever we are, at home or abroad, we are exposed to danger more than we are aware of; and this psalm directs and encourages us to repose ourselves and our confidence in God, and by faith to put ourselves under his protection and commit ourselves to his care, which we must do, with an entire resignation and satisfaction, in singing this psalm” (593).
In these opening verses, David is comforting himself with the understanding that his help comes from no earthly thing but from God, alone. Surely these words are a a comfort and encouragement when we feel alone and frightened. Whatever the reason, knowing we may at any time simply look to God for help is surely a thought to strengthen our spirit in times of need.
David points out that God is the maker of heaven and earth, as a reminder that He who created everything is able to do anything. “He that made heaven and earth is sovereign Lord of all the hosts of both, and can make use of them as he pleases for the help of his people, and restrain them when he pleases from hurting his people” (594).
Works Cited
Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 121.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.
Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.
© 2025 Angela Hormberg
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