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Psalm 121:7-8
“Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.”
This passage is from Psalm 121, one of the 'Songs of Ascents' (Psalms 120-134), likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It expresses trust in God's constant protection against life's dangers.
What does it mean for your 'going out and your coming in' to be kept by God?
Then — the setting
Psalm 121 is a 'Song of Ascents,' a collection of psalms (120-134) believed to have been sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals (Passover, Weeks, Booths). These journeys could be arduous and dangerous, exposing travelers to natural elements, wild animals, and bandits. The psalm reassures the travelers that their 'helper' (v.1) is Yahweh, the Creator, who is always vigilant, unlike human guards who might sleep. This promise of keeping (שָׁמַר, shamar) was understood as comprehensive protection for the entire life journey.
Across the Testaments
The Old Testament concept of God as a 'keeper' (שָׁמַר, shamar) in Psalm 121 emphasizes God's active, vigilant, and comprehensive protection over individuals and the community, safeguarding them from harm and guiding their lives. The New Testament affirms and deepens this idea of divine protection, often framing it in terms of God's providential care through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. While the Old Testament emphasizes protection from physical dangers on a journey, the New Testament extends this to spiritual keeping, guarding believers from temptation, apostasy, and ultimate separation from God. For example, Jesus teaches about God's care for every detail of life (Matthew 6:25-34), and the Apostle Paul speaks of God's power to guard what has been entrusted to him (2 Timothy 1:12) and to keep believers from stumbling (Jude 1:24), moving beyond just outward circumstances to the inner spiritual state.
Keep thinking
Read alongside it
Echoes the phrase 'going out and coming in' in the context of blessing and curse.
Jesus speaks of God's meticulous care even for sparrows, reinforcing comprehensive divine protection.
Describes God's ability to 'keep' believers from stumbling and present them blameless.
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