The collection of psalms from 120 to 134, each of which is entitled “A Song of Ascents,” is thought to have formed a small prayer book for pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the annual Jewish festivals in the temple. Psalm 121 could be the words of a pilgrim making the sometimes dangerous journey through the Judean wilderness on his “way up” to the Holy City. The author is in the company of fellow pilgrims and, as the day ends and the night’s darkness creeps into the valley, the troop of travelers assigns watchmen to climb the surrounding hillsides and stand guard over the encampment. Predatory bands of thieves in that region know the timetable of seasonal meetings at the temple. The pilgrims’ only hope for protection is the watchful eyes and warning voices of their guardian keepers.
Perhaps the hills reminded the poet of the story of Elisha and his angelic defenders. The Syrian army had come by stealth at night and surrounded him. Don’t be afraid, said Elisha to his trembling servant, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw: “Behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (2 Kgs. 6:17). The psalmist also saw help in the hills.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whispers the pilgrim as he prepares to enter his tent for the night. He sees the appointed watchmen, but, he asks himself, Is that where my help truly comes from? No, he quickly replies, as if to the stars in the sky. There is Another whom I cannot see, but I know that he is there, keeping watch. He has been with us all day, and he will never leave us through the night. Those who would do us harm are not the only ones who know our goings and comings. The Lord himself looks over us and he will be our help. The hills are filled with his presence, for he stands ever-alert beside each of our watchmen. Even if the travels of the day weary them to unwilling sleep, he who made heaven and earth will never slumber. His sleepless eyes will never be closed to us. His unblinking gaze will never wander from us. Knowing, then, that it is the Lord who keeps us, I will lie down now, and sleep in peace (see Ps. 4:8).
FROM THE FATHERS
“May the Lord protect your coming in and your going out.” Now look at the “coming out” of the furnace and the “going in” to it: “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials” (James 1:2). There you are—it is easy enough to go in; coming out is the big thing. But do not worry: “God is faithful”—because you have gone in, you are naturally thinking about getting out—“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way out” (1 Cor. 10:13). What is the way out? “That you may be able to endure.” You have gone in, you have fallen in; you have endured, you have come out.
— Augustine
Today, I begin walking with you to Jerusalem, Lord,
to a place of death . . . and of life.
Along the way—here in the wilderness,
also a place of death . . . and of life—
I will go out with you,
and I will come in with you.
If you will only keep me.
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