Psalm 121 is a beloved and oft-quoted psalm that has brought comfort and encouragement to many over the years. The opening verse – “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?” – is particularly memorable.
But what did the psalmist mean when he penned these words? Let’s take a closer look at the context and meaning of this beloved verse.
The Context of Psalm 121
Psalm 121 is part of a collection of psalms (120-134) that are called the “Songs of Ascent.” These psalms were likely composed for pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. The pilgrims would sing these psalms together as they “ascended” or climbed the road to Jerusalem, which sat atop a high hill.
As the pilgrims made this physical ascent, these psalms reminded them of their spiritual ascent towards the presence of God in the temple. Psalm 121 specifically seems to be a psalm for when the pilgrims first caught sight of Jerusalem from a distance. As the city came into view, sitting high on the hills, the psalmist was moved to pen this lyrical meditation on the hills and his helper.
The Significance of the Hills
When the psalmist “lifted his eyes to the hills,” he was likely literally looking up at the hills surrounding Jerusalem. The hills around the Holy City held both physical and symbolic meaning:
- Physically, the hills around Jerusalem offered vantage points to view the city from afar. They allowed pilgrims to catch the first glimpse of their destination.
- Symbolically, Jerusalem sat on a higher elevation than the surrounding land. The “going up” to Jerusalem was seen as an ascent to a place of spiritual height. The hills took on spiritual significance.
So when the psalmist looked to the hills, he was acknowledging both the physical landscape around Jerusalem as well as the spiritual symbolism of “going up” to the presence of God.
Looking to the Hills for Help
As the psalmist lifted his eyes to the hills, he was so moved by the sight that he erupted into praise: “From where does my help come?” He answers his own question – “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Seeing the hills seemed to awaken in the psalmist a renewed awareness that God was his help and strength. The hills reminded him of the wondrous Creator who fashioned even the landscapes surrounding Jerusalem. The sight stirred the psalmist’s heart towards worship and trust in God.
In essence, the psalmist is demonstrating for us a pattern of looking away from ourselves and our circumstances and setting our gaze on the eternal. As he looked up to the hills, his focus shifted from earthly travails to heavenly realities. His help and hope were anchored in God, not the hills themselves.
The hills were merely a physical aid to lift the psalmist’s eyes towards spiritual realities and divine help. This remains true for us today. Life’s “hills” and difficulties can prompt us to look up and beyond our circumstances to the Lord, our true help.
Timeless Truths from Psalm 121:1
This single verse from Psalm 121 has enduring relevance for believers today. Reflecting on this verse, we are reminded:
- To lift our eyes above our circumstances. The hills represent lifting our gaze to spiritual realities and eternal hope.
- That help and deliverance come from the Lord alone. We can confidently call upon Him in both difficult and joyous times.
- Of the glory of God as mighty Creator. Nature itself points to His power and majesty.
- To make worship and trust our reflexive response. As we fix our eyes on God, praise should flow freely.
For weary travelers and sojourners today, Psalm 121 remains a deeply meaningful and encouraging passage. As we make our own life journey, may we continually “lift our eyes to the hills” and be reminded of these timeless truths.
The Identity of the Psalmist
Who wrote the words “I lift my eyes to the hills”? Unfortunately, we cannot say for certain who penned this psalm or many others. The psalms in this collection are attributed simply “to the sons of Korah” – which was a family of Levite temple singers.
Based on the title “A song of ascents”, it seems likely it was composed by one of the sons of Korah for use in pilgrimage. But the exact identity of the author remains a mystery. In the end, the timeless beauty and truth of Psalm 121 points to divine inspiration more than any individual authorship.
Digging Deeper: Other Examples and Teachings
While Psalm 121 has a unique beauty and power, the theme of looking to the hills or mountains in the Bible is not isolated to this single passage. There are other examples that deepen our understanding:
- Mount Sinai – At Mount Sinai, the glory of the Lord descended upon the mountain (Exodus 24:15-17). God also provided the 10 commandments here. Sinai was a physical hill where God’s presence was powerfully manifest.
- The Mount of Transfiguration – Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain where they witnessed Jesus transfigured in glory and conversing with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-8). The glory of Jesus was revealed on a literal mountain.
- The Sermon on the Mount – In Matthew 5-7, Jesus goes up a mountainside to deliver his most famous sermon. Mountains were Jesus’ retreat for prayer (Luke 6:12) and places he taught from.
In many cases, both in the Old Testament and with Jesus, mountains and hills served as meeting places between God and humans. Their elevation brought people closer to the heavens. Hills facilitated divine encounters and revelations on earth. So when the psalmist looked to the hills around Jerusalem, it mirrored a long biblical tradition.
Cultural Background on Hills in the Ancient Near East
To appreciate the psalmist’s sentiments in their fullness, it is helpful to understand how hills and mountains were viewed in the ancient biblical world:
- They marked boundaries and provided defense. Cities were strategically built on hills for added protection.
- They were believed to be dwelling places of gods. Pagan shrines to idols were often located on high places.
- They brought people physically and symbolically closer to the heavens, abode of divine beings.
- Hills marked places of revelation. Theophanies, visions, signs and miracles often occurred on hills and mountains.
When we grasp this cultural backdrop, the psalmist’s act of looking upward to the hills fits nicely into patterns of thought at the time. Heights facilitated divine encounters. Of course, the psalmist directs his worship towards the true God, not idols. But the hope of meeting with God on a Jerusalem hilltop would feel familiar and natural for an ancient believer.
Exegetical Insights from Biblical Scholars
Many biblical commentators have offered insights into the meaning and significance of Psalm 121:1. Here is a survey of thoughts from several key scholars:
- The Treasury of David (Charles Spurgeon): “The pilgrim looks up to the mountains and asks for help of which they are destitute …From Jehovah alone all his supplies must come.”
- The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Willem VanGemeren): “The ‘mountains’ were symbolic of strength and stability, but they could not meet the needs of the pilgrim.”
- The Bible Speaks Today (John Goldingay): “This refers most immediately to looking ahead to the hills around Jerusalem…[but] the hills are merely the earthly counterpart of the heavenly reality.”
- Word Biblical Commentary (Nancy deClaissé-Walford): “The mountains here serve as tangible evidence of God’s majesty and greatness.”
These insights help us see that the hills had symbolic significance, reminded the psalmist of God’s glory and power, yet still pointed to the greater reality of God as the true source of our help.
Parallels in Other Ancient Literature and Mythology
Looking to hills and mountains as places to encounter the divine was not just a biblical practice – it cropped up in other ancient near eastern literature as well:
- Mount Olympus was the dwelling place of Greek gods like Zeus and Poseidon
- Mesopotamian ziggurats were man-made “mountains” where earthly activity connected with heavenly realms
- The Canaanite god Baal was associated with Mount Zaphon north of Ugarit in Syria
- Mount Fuji was considered sacred and seen as holy ground in ancient Japanese folk religion
Likewise, mountains played an important symbolic and religious role in various Native American belief systems. The examples are numerous. Clearly, the ancient impulse to ascend heights in search of spiritual encounters has been universal.
Interpreting the Text for Today
For modern readers, how might we apply the truths of this ancient psalm? Here are some key takeaways:
- Look above your circumstances – Lift your eyes from earthly discouragements to heavenly hope.
- Praise first – Even before help comes, praise God simply for who He is.
- Ask boldly – Come expectantly before God seeking the help only He can give.
- Find renewal in nature – See God’s majesty displayed in His creation and be refreshed.
- Worship the Creator – Use the wonders of nature to direct your heart toward God in adoration.
The hills of Psalm 121 can represent any difficulty that prompts us to praise God and seek His help. We all face hills and valleys on our life journey. May this ancient song guide our hearts when we grow weary.
Conclusion
Psalm 121 has enduring resonance because its core message remains spiritually vital today. When life feels challenging and uphill, we can lift our gaze above worldly distractions to the Maker of heaven and earth. His steadfast help and eternal presence give us strength for the journey ahead. After pondering the psalmist’s song, may we echo his closing refrain: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8).
