Psalms 121:5

The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

The LORD {H3068} is thy keeper {H8104}: the LORD {H3068} is thy shade {H6738} upon thy right {H3225} hand {H3027}.

ADONAI is your guardian; at your right hand ADONAI provides you with shade

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.

Jehovah is thy keeper: Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Psalm 121:5 continues the profound assurance found throughout this "Song of Ascents," emphasizing God's active and personal guardianship over His people. It reassures the pilgrim, and indeed every believer, of divine protection on their journey.

Context

Psalm 121 is one of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. This particular psalm focuses on the source of their help and protection during a potentially perilous journey through desolate or dangerous terrain. Verse 5 builds on the declaration that God neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4), affirming His constant vigilance and care over His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guardianship: The central message is that the LORD Himself is the ultimate protector. He is not merely a distant observer but an active, watchful guardian, always attentive to His children.
  • Constant Presence as "Shade": In a hot, arid climate like ancient Israel, "shade" was vital for survival and comfort, protecting from the harsh sun. This metaphor powerfully conveys God's refreshing and preserving presence, sheltering His people from life's scorching trials and dangers, offering refuge and relief.
  • Protection at the "Right Hand": The "right hand" often symbolized strength, authority, and honor. To be at one's right hand could mean a position of support or vulnerability. Here, it signifies God's immediate, ever-present protection, especially in moments of weakness or exposure. It suggests that God is always ready to act on our behalf, providing unwavering support.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "keeper" is shomer (שׁוֹמֵר), which implies one who watches over, guards, or preserves. It's the same root word used in Genesis 2:15 for "to keep" the garden, highlighting an active, diligent, and continuous watchfulness. The term "shade" (צֵל, tsel) evokes a literal physical refuge from the sun, but also a metaphorical spiritual refuge from all forms of adversity, including spiritual attacks and life's hardships.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 121:5 offers immense comfort and courage. It reminds us that no matter the challenges or uncertainties we face, God is our unwavering protector. We are not left to navigate life's difficulties alone. This verse encourages us to place our full trust in His omnipresent care, knowing that He is actively involved in preserving us. It calls us to live with confidence, not fear, because the LORD is our keeper and our ever-present shade.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 25:4

    For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

  • Psalms 91:1

    ¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

  • Exodus 13:21

    And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

  • Isaiah 4:5

    And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory [shall be] a defence.

  • Isaiah 4:6

    And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

  • Psalms 16:8

    ¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

  • Psalms 109:31

    For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.

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