Tehillim 121 | “I Lift My Eyes Up to the Hills”

Psalm 121 is well-known and among the most frequently recited psalms. At its opening, the poet lifts his eyes to the hills and asks: from where will my help come? The psalm does not specify the nature or details of the hardship, and in this lies its power as a general prayer for salvation.

Rav Elchanan Samet, in the attached article, builds on the interpretation of the Radak (mentioned in the previous psalm) and suggests that this is a prayer of someone setting out on a journey from exile to the Land of Israel. In front of the traveler stands a very long road, and he finds himself facing mountains and hills – and he is afraid. Setting out on a long journey on foot is a dangerous undertaking.

The poet takes heart and remembers that his help comes from God — the Creator of heaven and earth — who will guard him along the way from natural perils. The dangers the poet fears are the sun and the moon — basic threats to those who travel. By day, the danger comes from walking under the scorching sun, while night brings with it its own dangers. The psalm concludes with the verse: “The Lord will guard your going and coming, now and for evermore.” According to the interpretation that this is a psalm of leaving exile to Jerusalem, the “going” refers to leaving Babylon, and the “coming” refers to arriving in Jerusalem. See the article in full for a detailed analysis of the content and structure of the psalm, in light of this proposed historical and literary context.

It is also worth noting that the psalm includes two speakers. The one setting out on the journey speaks in the first person, and he is answered by another person — someone who blesses him with God’s protection along the way. Thus, the psalm presents a dialogue between a fearful traveler and a companion who blesses him and repeatedly invokes God’s name. Through these words, the one offering the blessing attempts to instill in the traveler a sense of faith in the personal providence he will receive from God. Rav Samet suggests that there is also a subtle tension or contrast between the two voices. The traveler, when speaking of God, uses very general terms: God as Maker of heaven and earth, Guardian of Israel. In contrast, the one offering the blessing places strong emphasis on God’s individual care for the traveler: “He will not let your foot slip… the Lord is your guardian.” God is not merely the general protector of Israel — He is your protector. Go in peace.