Psalms 121:6

Context of Psalms 121:6

Psalm 121 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God as the ultimate protector and guardian. The journey to Jerusalem in ancient times could be perilous, fraught with dangers from natural elements, wild animals, and bandits. Therefore, the pilgrims' reliance on divine protection was not merely spiritual but also deeply practical.

Key Themes and Messages

Verse 6, "The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night," powerfully conveys God's comprehensive and continuous protection over His people. It highlights several key themes:

• Divine Protection: The primary message is that God shields His faithful from all harm, whether from overt dangers or subtle, unseen threats. This promise extends to both the literal and figurative "smitting" by natural forces.
• Constant Vigilance: The mention of both "day" and "night" emphasizes that God's watchful care is unceasing. He is never asleep or unaware, providing constant oversight over His beloved.
• Safety from All Elements: In the ancient Near East, the sun's intense heat could cause sunstroke or dehydration, while the moon was sometimes associated with various ailments or fears (though not explicitly in biblical texts as a source of harm itself, but rather completing the imagery of comprehensive protection). This verse assures safety from all environmental or natural hazards.
• God as the Keeper: This verse builds upon the theme introduced earlier in the psalm, particularly in Psalm 121:5, which states, "The LORD is thy keeper." God actively guards and preserves His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "smite" is nakah (נָכָה), which means to strike, hit, wound, or injure. It implies a direct, forceful impact leading to harm. In the context of the sun, it refers to the harmful effects of its rays, such as sunstroke or heat exhaustion. The inclusion of the moon completes the picture of round-the-clock, comprehensive protection from all natural elements, signifying that God's safeguarding hand covers every moment and every potential danger.

Practical Application and Reflection

For believers today, Psalms 121:6 offers immense comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that our lives are under the watchful eye of an all-powerful and loving God. While we still experience trials and difficulties in life, this verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that He protects us from ultimate harm and works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). It calls us to live without undue fear of the future or the challenges of life, resting in the promise of God's comprehensive protection, day and night, through every season of life.