Salmos 121
Matthew Henry · Citado em PreceptAustin
Salmos 121
Henry writes "We must not rely upon creatures, upon men and means, instruments and second causes, nor make flesh our arm." THOUGHT - As an aside, dear follower of Christ, if you do not find yourself continually in a state of desperate need for God's help, then you REALLY do need help! A corollary thought is that if you view family, friends, wealth, position, etc as your main source of help in this life, you might miss the real main Source, God Himself! God grant us grace to depend on Him in our "time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Albert
Salmos 121
Henry comments… Whatever charge he gives his angels to keep his people, he has not thereby discharged himself, so that, whether every particular saint has an angel for his guardian or no, we are sure he has God himself for his guardian. It is infinite wisdom that contrives, and infinite power that works, the safety of those that have put themselves under God's protection. Those must needs be well kept that have the Lord for their keeper. If, by affliction, they be made his prisoners, yet still he is their keeper… The shepherd of the flock is the shepherd of every sheep, and will take care that not one, even of the little ones, shall perish. John MacArthur in Seven Keys to Contented Living tells of… Paul Reese's wonderful story about the man who in World War II was on an American ship that was shot and was sinking and he dove off the deck and hung on to something in the water for a while until he was picked up by a German freighter. He and a couple of other men were thrown in the belly of the ship as prisoners. And he wrote in his little biography, I began to commune with the Lord. At first I couldn't sleep. The stress was great and the fear was great. Then I remembered the words of Psalm 121, 'My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He that keeps thee will not slumber, behold he will neither slumber nor sleep.' So I said, 'Lord, there isn't any use both of us staying awake. As long as You're going to keep watch, I'll thank You for some sleep.' And I got it. (Ed: Amen!) The Christian’s stability - The North Pole is perpetually roving within the limits of a circle sixty feet in diameter. What is the North Pole to-day is not the North Pole to-morrow. The true North Pole has been known to travel more than four feet in a week, while sometimes it has required more than a month to cover a yard. Suppose that you and I were to sail from opposite points to discover this turning-point. We will say that you, with your astronomical instruments, planted your flag upon the exact North Pole six months ago, and then went away. I, arriving to-day, make equally accurate calculations and plant my flag also upon the true North Pole. My flag is probably forty feet from yours, yet neither of us is in error. To-morrow the elusive little tip-top of the earth will have slipped away from both of us. And if I were to claim a building site the corner-stone of which was marked by this North Pole, a strange predicament would follow. I should have to place my fences upon castors, and keep them continually moving in order to mark strictly my own reservation. So it is with too many Christian lives. Want of stability in the Christian faith and life is one of the great--one might say the greatest--hindrances to the true development of Christianity among us. We are constantly veering round in our faith and life, following the latest “new belief,” accepting every modern “faith,” or doubting some established Christian doctrine. Let us be more stable in our religion. (Signal.) His Mind Never Wanders - Has this ever happened to you? I was driving down the highway on a pleasant evening after a full day. I was paying attention to traffic and driving defensively. The next thing I knew, I heard the crunch of tires on gravel. They were mine! I snapped to attention. My mind had wandered and I had strayed to the edge of the road. Either I was daydreaming or I was enjoying the beauty of the evening and forgot what I was doing. I know God's care and kindness Will ever with me stay, To assist me on life's journey, And brighten up my day. --Hall Because God's mind is on us, we can put our mind at ease. Always Awake - A mother and her 4-year-old daughter were preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window. “Mommy,” she asked, “is that God’s light up there?” “Yes, it is,” came the reply. Soon another question: “Will He put it out and go to sleep too?” “Oh no, He never goes to sleep.” After a few silent moments, the little girl said, “As long as God is awake, I’m not scared.” Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep. As Christians, we may confidently commit both the night and the day to our ever-faithful God. He is fully aware of our fears in the dark as well as our frustrations in the light. We can be assured of His constant care. His loving eye and protecting hand are always upon us. Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one. The shadows of the night make the anxiety of your situation seem greater than ever. Doubts arise and fears flood your soul, robbing you of your needed rest. In His care confiding I will sweetly sleep, For the Lord my Savior Will in safety keep. —Psalter If you have trouble getting to sleep, try resting in the Lord. KEY WORDS IN PSALM 121 Key Words (see notes) in inductive Bible study are words that are repeated and of such significance that their removal would significantly alter the intended meaning in a passage. The LORD of course is always a "key word." "Help" is also clearly a key word in this psalm even though it is only mentioned twice. In this psalm one might also consider the multiple personal pronouns to be key words. The dominant key word in Psalm 121 is translated keeps (twice), keep, keeper, protect and guard. These six uses in English correspond to one word in the original Hebrew text - shamar. HEBREW VERB SHAMAR As noted the Hebrew verb shamar occurs six times in eight verses. Shamar is a major OT verb, occurring in some 431 verses and is translated by a variety of English words. Basically shamar conveys the picture of one exercising great care to watch over and so to keep, preserve, protect and guard. It can mean to hedge about as in guarding or protecting a person or object. The first Old Testament use is instructive for the "LORD God took the man (Adam) and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep (and guard) it." (Genesis 2:15). As Genesis 3 shows, Adam did not guard the garden carefully enough! In another instructive use we see the Jewish men who "were gatekeepers keeping watch at the storehouses of the gates." (Neh 12:25) The verb shamar describes a most tender preservation. For example, the noun shemurah is derived from shamar and is used in Ps 77:4 (+) for the eyelids, which are "the keepers" of the eyes. (See note). Shamar was used by Israel in recounting Israel's Exodus and wilderness journey, the people (answering Joshua's challenge to remain faithful) declaring that "the LORD our God is He who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did these great signs in our sight and preserved (shamar; LXX = dia-phulasso = watch carefully, guard closely) us through all the way in which we went and among all the peoples through whose midst we passed." (Joshua 24:17+) GREEK VERB PHULASSO The Greek translation of the Hebrew text (Septuagint or Lxx) renders shamar with the Greek verb phulasso. Phulasso (5442) means to watch, to carry out the function as a military guard or sentinel (cp Ac 23:35, 28:16), to keep watch, to have one's eye upon lest one escape, to guard a person that he might remain safe (from violence, from another person or thing, from being snatched away, from being lost). The NT uses phulasso of guarding truth (eg, 1Ti 5:21+, 1Ti 6:20+, 2Ti 1:14+) Click here for an in depth 3 page discussion of phylasso in the New International Dictionary of the New Testament (and check the preceding article on tereo for more discussion) Phulasso is the verb used to describe the shepherds "keeping watch (phulasso) over their flock by night (Lk 2:8), which congers up the image of savage wolves seeking to devour the helpless sheep. Elsewhere we read of the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd Who keeps watch over His sheep. Paul assures us that… the Lord is faithful (He is trustworthy, worthy of all our trust), and He will strengthen and protect (phulasso) you from the evil one. (2Th 3:3) (Why can we be certain God will protect us from evil and the devil, the evil one himself? How is God characterized by Paul, which undergirds his declaration that God will protect us? See God's attribute Faithfulness) Peter records that God did not spare the ancient world, but preserved (phulasso) Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly. (2Pe 4, 5+) Comment: Ponder the picture in this passage! Imagine the roaring seas, spreading out over the land as the rains came falling down. Picture men and women and children crying out for help as the waters rose. And let this sad, tragic picture help you discern the meaning of phulasso. Phulasso is used 31 times in the NAS abstain, 1; guard, 8; guarded, 1; guarding, 1; guards, 1; keep, 5; keeping, 2; keeps, 1; kept, 4; kept under guard, 1; maintain, 1; observe, 2; preserved, 1; protect, 1; watching, 1 Matt. 19:20; Mk. 10:20; Lk. 2:8; 8:29; 11:21, 28; 12:15; 18:21; Jn. 12:25, 47; 17:12; Acts 7:53; 12:4; 16:4; 21:24, 25; 22:20; 23:35; 28:16; Ro 2:26; Gal. 6:13; 2Th 3:3; 1Ti 5:21; 6:20; 2Ti 1:12, 14; 4:15; 2Pe 2:5; 3:17; 1Jn 5:21; Jude 1:24) Phulasso can also mean to keep away from or make an effort to abstain from as in (Luke 12:15+). Figuratively phulasso means to keep so as to observe and not violate, such as God's Word. Thus Jesus said Blessed (makarios) are those who hear the word of God, and observe (phulasso = guard, present tense = continually) it. (Luke 11:28+) Comment: Note carefully that the blessing is not just in the knowing of the Word of Truth but of the obeying of the Word of Truth (Contrast Jas 1:22+ with Jas 1:25+) In a similar use in the LXX we read Where there is no vision (no prophetic vision, no truth), the people are unrestrained (run wild!), but ( - What is contrasted? At least two truths!) happy (blessed - fully satisfied independent of the circumstances = not natural effort but a supernatural bestowal!) is he who keeps (LXX = Phulasso) the law. (Pr 29:18+) The idea of phulasso in preceding two examples (Lk 11:28+, Pr 29:18) is that of the keeping of the commandments, and refers not only to the act of obeying them, but to an attitude of attentive care and protectiveness for their preciousness and honor, an attitude which leads one to carefully guard them from being broken (Note: We can "keep" them only because He has "kept" us and empowered us to be able to "keep" them. If we try to "keep" the law in our own strength, we call that legalism. Grace sets free. Legalism puts us back into bondage to the law and sin.) Phulasso indicates safe custody and often implies assault from without and Vine says is a stronger word than the synonym tereo which expresses watchful care. I love the ending benediction by Jude… Now to Him who is able to keep (phulasso) you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24,25+) The Septuagint (Lxx), the Greek translation of the Hebrew OT, translates every occurrence of shamar with the same Greek verb phulasso, (see Sept uses below) which was used commonly in secular writings as a military word (for example to describe the duty of a military sentry) and meant to guard (so as to protect from danger especially by providing watchful attention), defend or keep watch in order to prevent robbery, loss or harm. Phulasso means to keep in safe custody and its use often implies assault from without. For example, Luke records that "when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him." (Acts 28:16+) The verb phulasso is in the present tense picturing continuous action - you have a round-the-clock ("24/7") "Guard". As noted above, Adam was instructed by God to keep (guard - Hebrew = shamar; Lxx = phulasso) the Garden of Eden (Ge 2:15+)! Now take this information on phulasso and "plug" it back into the phrase He Who keeps you. For example, you could read it as "He Who continually guards you to prevent robbery or loss… " What an encouraging picture of the "keeping" power of our great God, Jehovah. Beloved, believe this truth about Him. It does not mean we will not suffer or that we will not be attacked or afflicted. But it does mean that Jehovah Himself will protect us when the trials come. God's help keeps the believer. Nearing the end of his life, Paul had come to know God as his personal Help (cf, "my help"), for even in the face of persecution for the gospel, he was able to declare I am not ashamed; for I know Whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able (He has the inherent power - He is the Creator of heaven and earth) to guard (or keep = phulasso) what I have entrusted to Him until that day. (2Ti 1:12+) Beloved, we have a trustworthy, vigilant "Watchman" Take comfort in this truth. Gilbrant on phulasso - The verb phulassō is related to the noun phulax, “sentinel, watchman,” and indicates the activity of a watchman (Bertram, “phulassō,” Kittel, 9:236). Another related term is phulakē (5274), a “watch” (e.g., Mt 24:43), especially a “watch of the night.” The scope of phulassō ranges from “watching over, taking care of,” to “keeping” a law or command. Phulassō enjoys extensive usage (nearly 500 times) in the Septuagint where it replaces as many as 11 Hebrew expressions. The plainly dominant counterparts, however, are the forms of shāmar (the qal), “to guard, protect, keep” (around 375 times). Adam was given the responsibility to “take care of” the Garden of Eden (Ge 2:15NIV). In a different understanding, after the Fall, “cherubim (of the Lord) and a flaming sword flashing back and forth (were placed) to guard the way to the tree of life” (Ge 3:24NIV); that is, they prevented entrance. In a more figurative sense, “keeping” the way of the Lord, His word, His covenant, or His commandments means to obey Him (Ge 18:19; Ex12:17,24; 19:5; cf. 13:10; cf. Leviticus 18:26,30; Deuteronomy 6:17 and throughout the Old Testament). Elsewhere it may describe “observing” a feast or the Sabbath (e.g., Exodus 23:15; 34:18; Deuteronomy 5:12). God also “watches over” the righteous. As the Psalmist declares, “O Lord, you will keep us safe” (Psalm 12:7NIV; cf. 16:1 [15:1]; 25:20). He “protects” us from harm and evil influence (Psalms 140:4; 141:9]). God’s role as “Watcher” or “Guardian” may recall His being the Great Shepherd who “guards” His flock (cf. ibid., 9:237; see also Bruce, New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes, pp.100-114, for the use of this imagery; e.g., Psalm 23; Jeremiah 31:10). New Testament usage largely accords with the classical and Septuagintal patterns. Phulassō may signify “keeping” or “observing” commands, decrees, or feasts (e.g., Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20; cf. Acts 16:4). It concerns especially “keeping” God’s Word by being obedient to His commands (Luke 11:28; cf. John 12:47). Paul used the expression in his letters to Timothy to encourage him to “guard” (NIV, in the sense of take care of, protect from the threat of false teaching) the “deposit” (NIV) with which he had been entrusted (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14). The term “deposit,” parathēkē, is a metaphor from common life “reflecting the highest kind of sacred obligation in ancient society, namely, being entrusted with some treasured possession for safe-keeping while another is away” (see on this Fee, Good News Commentary, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, p.118). From another perspective, and perhaps recalling the Old Testament idea of God as a “Guardian,” Paul was confident in God’s ability to “keep” what he had been entrusted with (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 1:12; Jude 24; but cf. 1 John 5:21). (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Phulasso in the Septuagint - Gen. 2:15; 3:24; 18:19; 26:5; 30:31; 31:24,29; 41:35-36; Exod. 12:17,24-25; 13:10; 15:26; 19:5; 20:6; 22:7,10; 23:13,15,20,22; 31:13-14,16; 34:18; Lev. 8:35; 18:4-5,26,30; 19:3,19,30,37; 20:8,22; 22:9,31; 25:18; 26:2-3; Num. 1:53; 3:7-8,10,28,32,38; 6:24; 8:26; 9:19,23; 18:3-5; 22:35; 23:12; 31:30,47; Deut. 4:2,6,9,15,40; 5:1,10,12,15,29,32; 6:2-3,17,25; 7:9,11-12; 8:1-2,6,11; 10:13; 11:1,8,32; 12:1,28,32; 13:4,18; 15:5; 16:1,12; 17:10,19; 23:9,23; 24:8; 26:16-18; 27:1; 28:1,13,15,45; 29:9; 30:10,16; 32:46; 33:9; Jos. 1:7; 6:18; 10:18; 22:3,5; 23:6,11; Jdg. 1:24; 2:22; 7:19; 13:4,13-14; 1 Sam. 1:12; 7:1; 13:13-14; 19:2,11; 21:4; 22:23; 25:21; 26:15-16; 29:11; 30:23; 2 Sam. 11:16; 15:16; 16:21; 18:12; 20:3,10; 22:22,44; 23:5; 1 Ki. 2:3-4,43; 3:6,14; 8:23-25,58,61; 9:4,6; 11:10-11,38; 13:21; 14:27; 20:39; 2 Ki. 6:9-10; 9:14; 10:31; 11:5-7; 12:9; 17:9,13,15,19,37; 18:6,8; 21:8; 22:4; 23:3-4; 25:18; 1 Chr. 9:19,23; 10:13; 22:12-13; 23:32; 26:10; 28:7-8; 29:18; 2 Chr. 6:14-16; 7:17; 12:10-11; 13:11; 19:7; 23:6; 33:8; 34:9,22,31; Ezr. 4:22; Neh. 1:5,7,9; 2:16; 9:32; 10:29; 12:45; 13:22; Est. 1:1; 6:2; Job 10:12,14; 13:27; 14:13; 22:15; 23:11; 24:15; 29:2; 33:11; 36:21; 39:1; Ps. 12:7; 16:1; 17:3,8; 18:21,23; 19:11; 25:20; 34:20; 37:28,34,37; 39:1; 56:6; 59:1,9; 71:10; 78:10,56; 86:2; 89:28,31; 97:10; 99:7; 103:18; 105:45; Ps 106:3; 107:43; 116:6; 119:4-5,8-9, 17, 34, 44, 55, 57, 60, 63, 67, 88, 101, 106, 134, 136, 146, 158,167-168; Ps 121:3-5,7-8; 127:1; 132:12; 140:4; 141:9; 145:20; 146:6,9; Prov. 2:8,11; 4:5,13,21; 5:2; 6:20,22; 7:1-2; 8:32; 10:17; 13:3,6,18; 14:3; 15:5; 16:4,17; 19:8,16,27; 21:23,28; 22:5; 24:22; 25:10; 27:18; 28:7; 29:18; Eccl. 3:6; 5:1,8,13; 8:2,5; 12:12-13; Cant. 1:6; Isa. 7:4; 21:11-12; 26:2-3; 27:4; 42:20; 52:8; 56:1-2,4,6; 60:21; Jer. 4:17; 5:24; 8:7; 9:4; 16:11; 17:21; 31:10; 32:2; 35:4; 36:5,20; 52:24,31; Ezek. 11:20; 17:14; 18:9,21,27; 20:18-19,21; 33:4-6,8; 34:16; 36:27; 37:24; 40:45-46; 43:11; 44:8,14-16,24; 48:11; Dan. 9:4; Hos. 4:10; 12:6,12; Amos 1:11; 2:4; Jon. 2:8; Mic. 6:16; 7:5; Hab. 3:16; Zech. 3:7; 11:11; Mal. 2:7,9,15-16; 3:7,14; ILLUSTRATION OF WATCHMAN - The Night Watchman - Kara Dedert - The Cathedral of Lausanne sits like an ancient guard on a hillside in Switzerland. Below, homes cluster tightly together down to the shores of Lake Geneva. For centuries the cathedral bells have rung, keeping time for the people below. On a crisp October night in 1405, the bells rang with urgency. A fire had started and was quickly spreading from one wooden home to the next. The bells stirred everyone to action, and a night watchman was placed on lookout in the bell tower to watch for new fires. More than six hundred years have passed since that devastating night, yet not a night has passed without a watchman standing guard. As the bell signals the passing hour, he cups his hands and calls down the hillside: “This is the watchman! The bell has rung!”— letting the townspeople know that all was well. Their security and safety rested on his vigilance. While our hearts are not made of wooden walls or thatched roofs, the desires of our hearts are quick to catch fire and need a close watch. The heart drives our actions, words, and life trajectory: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23+). This watchfulness is born from humility, realizing that our hearts are new in Christ, but are still quick to accommodate sin and needing to be exercised in obedience to and dependence on God. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh” (Rom. 13:14+). The Puritan pastor John Flavel counseled: “The keeping and right managing of the heart in every condition is the great business of a Christian’s life.” At first glance, this seems to appeal to our modern appetite for self-analysis, but this “keeping of the heart” is very different. It’s a looking within to see what needs to be cut off, forsaken, and repented of so that we can be renewed in Christ and exercised in faithful living. Watchfulness is done in faith and vulnerability, inviting the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and help us see. It’s recognizing that the sarcastic remark might be rooted in bitterness, the halfhearted worship rooted in love for the idols of our hearts, the fear rooted in a lack of trust in God’s character, and the tense relationship rooted in a failure to love. It’s an honest look at pride that shows up in our lives as selfishness, ingratitude, or self-absorption. Recognition comes as the Word shines on our hearts and as the Spirit renews our minds, prompting repentance and obedience. It is a discipline born not out of hatred for self but out of love in response to God’s love for us and out of belief in what He says about our hearts: we’re new in Christ, yet sin still clings to us. Our hearts need watchfulness and His preservation. The watchman likely had many things to distract him: nesting pigeons, the sunset, people bustling about in the city below, sleepiness. We also have many things that demand our attention, but in all the busyness, keeping the heart is vital as we look to Jesus in repentance, faith, and joy. THE WINDING ROAD He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. —Psalm 121:3 In his book A Sweet and Bitter Providence, John Piper offers these thoughts about God’s provision and guidance: “Life is not a straight line leading from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven. Life is a winding and troubled road. . . . God is not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.” Life is a winding road with unknown troubles, but we can be certain of God’s control, security and care. TROUBLES ARE UNKNOWN; GOD’S LOVING CARE IS CERTAIN. Our Night Watchman Read: Psalm 121:1-8 He who keeps you will not slumber. —Psalm 121:3 My husband and I were commit ted to having a “people ministry.” We longed to bring Christ’s good news to needy people and to be good news through our day-to-day involvement with them. The snag was that I was “working the nightshift” as well by carrying people’s burdens to bed with me. My restless nights often immobilized me during the day. One night as I was getting ready for bed, I was thinking about my burdens and what to do with them. As I laid aside each piece of clothing, I decided to lay aside each concern, one by one. Then, as I put on my comfortable robe, I felt released from people’s burdens and ready to rest. At first I felt guilty and uncaring. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that God neither slumbers nor sleeps. If God wanted me to be involved during the night, He would let me know. Otherwise, while I slept and refreshed myself, I knew that He would sit up all night and keep watch over my every concern. Into His hands I lay the fears that haunt me, The dread of future ills that may befall; Into His hands I lay the doubts that taunt me, And rest securely, trusting Him for all. —Christiansen For a good night's rest, rest in the Lord. (See Rest in the Bible) Spurgeon has these devotional thoughts on Psalm 121:3… If the LORD will not suffer it, neither men nor devils can do it. How greatly would they rejoice if they could give us a disgraceful fall, drive us from our position, and bury us out of memory! They could do this to their heart's content were it not for one hindrance, and only one: the LORD will not suffer it; and if He does not suffer it, we shall not suffer it. The way of life is like traveling among the Alps. Along the mountain path one is constantly exposed to the slipping of the foot. Where the way is high the head is apt to swim, and then the feet soon slide; there are spots which are smooth as glass and others that are rough with loose stones, and in either of these a fall is hard to avoid. He who throughout life is enabled to keep himself upright and to walk without stumbling has the best of reasons for gratitude. What with pitfalls and snares, weak knees, weary feet, and subtle enemies, no child of God would stand fast for an hour were it not for the faithful love which will not suffer his foot to be moved. Amidst a thousand snares I stand Upheld and guarded by thy hand; That hand unseen shall hold me still, And lead me to thy holy hill. Psalm 121:4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. (NASB: Lockman) NET Look! Israel's protector does not sleep or slumber! BGT ἰδοὺ οὐ νυστάξει οὐδὲ ὑπνώσει ὁ φυλάσσων (phulasso) τὸν Ισραηλ LXE Behold, he that keeps Israel shall not slumber nor sleep. CSB Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. ESV Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Septuagint (LXX): idou (2SAMM: aorist imperative = command which can convey a sense of urgency: pay attention! look! listen! = to arouse attention) ou (absolute negation) nustaxei (3SFAI: doze) oude (absolute negation) hupnosei (3SFAI: sleep) o phulasson (phulasso PAPMSN: continuously watching over) ton israel English Translation of the Septuagint - Behold, he that keeps Israel shall not slumber nor sleep. He Who keeps: Ps 27:1 32:7,8 127:1 Isa 27:3; Will: 1Ki 18:27 Eccl 8:16 Rev 7:15 Spurgeon's Sermon - Psalm 121:4 123:2 Wakeful and Watchful Eyes THE SLEEPLESS WATCHMAN Behold (hinneh) is a Hebrew interjection meaning look, now, etc the function of which is to call attention to the text which follows. Hinneh serves to alert the reader to give it special attention. Don't miss this point! The psalmist is focusing our attention on the truth that God keeps Israel. Indeed, the very existence of the Jew and the Jewish state of Israel is a vibrant testimony to God's "keeping power!" THERE IS AN EYE THAT NEVER SLEEPS There is an eye that never sleeps Beneath the wing of night; There is an ear that never shuts When sink the beams of light. There is an arm that never tires When human strength gives way; There is a love that never fails When earthly loves decay. That eye is fixed on seraph throngs; That arm upholds the sky; That ear is filled with angel songs; That love is throned on high. But there’s a power which man can wield When mortal aid is vain, That eye, that arm, that love to reach, That listening ear to gain. That power is prayer, which soars on high, Through Jesus, to the throne, And moves the hand which moves the world, To bring salvation down.
Salmos 121
Henry - He not only protects those whom He is the keeper of, but He refreshes them: He is their shade. The comparison has a great deal of gracious condescension in it; the eternal Being Who is infinite substance is what He is in order that He may speak sensible comfort to His people, promises to be their umbra-their shadow, to keep as close to them as the shadow does to the body, and to shelter them from the scorching heat, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, Isaiah 32:2. Under this shadow they may sit with delight and assurance.
Salmos 121
Henry adds that "Piety is a sure protection. If men be sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. He will, by the power of his grace in them, that principle of justice, keep them from the evil of sin; so that, though they be tempted, yet they shall not be overcome by the temptation, and though they may come into trouble, into many troubles, yet to them those troubles shall have no evil in them, whatever they have to others , for they shall be overruled to work for their good… (the righteous) shall be safe under the protection of Heaven, though hell itself break loose upon them." (Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible) He will keep your soul - What an encouraging truth. This reminds me of Peter's affirmation regarding God's ability to protect… Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1Peter 1:5-7+) The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, He’ll never, no never desert to his foes. That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, He’ll never, no never, no never forsake! How Firm a Foundation vocal by Fernando Ortega Matthew Henry notes that "It is the spiritual life, especially, that God will take under his protection: He shall preserve thy soul. All souls are His; and the soul is the man, and therefore he will with a peculiar care preserve them, that they be not defiled by sin and disturbed by affliction. He will keep them by keeping us in the possession of them; and he will preserve them from perishing eternally. Peter alludes to God's soul keeping power in summarizing the redemptive work of Christ… He (Jesus) Himself bore our sins in His body on the Cross, that we might die to sin (the penalty and the power of sin) and live to righteousness (progressive sanctification); for (term of explanation - What is Peter explaining? How does this help us understand "you were healed"? Is he discussing physical or spiritual healing?) by His wounds you were healed. For (term of explanation - What is Peter explaining?) you were continually straying like sheep, but now (term of contrast - What is Peter contrasting?) you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian (episkopos = one who has the responsibility of caring for spiritual concerns) of your souls. (1Pe 2:24, 25+, cp 1Pe 4:19+)