Guard Duty

Psalm 121

            “I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.”

So begins Psalm 121.  It is a song of ascents—one the pilgrims sang as they made their way up Mount Zion and into the temple.  Many of us can quote it by heart—if not the whole psalm then at least the first verse.  “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills.  From where comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord.”  It’s a beautiful, meaningful statement. 

Imagine being pilgrims in Jerusalem in Old Testament times.  We’re here to worship in the temple—God’s dwelling place on earth.  This is the first time we have seen this magnificent structure, and as we stand looking up from the foot of Mount Zion we’re awestruck.  We’re overwhelmed by the beauty and the grandeur of God’s house.  We have no choice but to lift our eyes to the top of the hill.  Our attention is drawn there.  In this moment we understand the question and the answer.  Where will our help come from?  The magnificence of God’s house helps us see the magnificence of our God.  This is a God powerful enough to provide us with all the help we need.

The psalm continues:  “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will neither slumber nor sleep.”  The psalmist uses “keep,” or “keeper” a total of five times.  He emphasizes that God is our keeper, our protector.  We can even sleep in peace because God never slumbers nor sleeps.  John Baillie, in one of his evening prayers, says, “Thou slumberest never; now, as I lie down to sleep, I cast myself upon Thy care.”  We can rest secure knowing that even when we’re asleep, God is caring for us.

One of my “toys” (I got it from the Great Commission Bookstore) is a Jewish Study Bible.  It contains only the Hebrew Scriptures, of course—what we refer to as the Old Testament.  Using it is a challenge, because the books are in a much different order from what we’re used to.  I’m still learning my way around. 

There are two interesting features of this Bible.  First, there are extensive annotations next to each chapter.  The editors quote rabbis’ interpretations of many passages.  We get a feel for the thought processes of Jewish scholars down through the centuries.  The second point of interest is some of the translations.  While many of the passages use words with which we are familiar, many do not. 

Psalm 121 is a case in point.  Where the translations with which we are most familiar use the words “keeper,” or “keeps,” the Jewish Study Bible uses “guardian,” or “guards.”  For me, this is significant.  God as guardian is a powerful image for me.  I feel protected when I think of God guarding me.  Whether I’m awake or asleep I know God is on guard duty.  God will never fall asleep at the post, will never wander off or forget to pay attention.  God never has to be relieved.  Who would take God’s place?  Who could be as effective?

Like any good watchman, God will alert me to trouble.  All I have to do is pay attention.  If a temptation comes, God will tell me to get my own guard up (Remember Ephesians 6:10-18?).  If danger threatens, God will be right there beside me, helping me deal with whatever problem I’m facing.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord.”  We need have no fear while God is on guard duty.