Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

The LORD {H3068} shall preserve {H8104} thy going out {H3318} and thy coming in {H935} from this time forth, and even for {H5704} evermore {H5769}.

ADONAI will guard your coming and going from now on and forever.

The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and for evermore.

Psalms 121:8 (KJV) offers a profound assurance of God's unceasing protection over every aspect of a believer's life. This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Psalm 121, a beloved "Song of Ascent," promising divine guardianship in all circumstances, from the present moment into eternity.

Context

Psalm 121 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims as they journeyed uphill to Jerusalem for the great annual feasts. The psalm begins with the pilgrim looking to the hills, perhaps with a sense of vulnerability or seeking help, but quickly declares that true help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. The preceding verses emphasize God's constant watchfulness – He "will not slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3-4), and He is a shade from sun and moon (Psalm 121:5-6). Verse 8 summarizes and culminates these promises of unwavering care.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation: The central message is God's active and personal protection. The Hebrew word for "preserve" is shamar, meaning to guard, watch over, keep, or protect. It signifies diligent, attentive care.
  • Comprehensive Care: "Thy going out and thy coming in" is a powerful Hebrew idiom (a merism) encompassing all of life's activities, journeys, daily routines, and transitions. It means God protects every step, every endeavor, every departure, and every return. This mirrors the broad blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28:6.
  • Everlasting Faithfulness: The phrase "from this time forth, and even for evermore" underscores the eternal nature of God's commitment. His protection is not temporary or conditional but extends throughout one's entire life and beyond, into eternity.
  • Trust and Security: The psalm instills a deep sense of security and peace, encouraging believers to place their complete trust in the Lord's omnipotent and omnipresent care.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "going out and coming in" (Hebrew: tse'teka uvo'eka) is a common biblical expression that signifies the entirety of one's life and activities. It's not just about physical journeys but about one's whole conduct and existence, from beginning to end. This comprehensive scope highlights God's watchful eye over every detail of a person's life.

Practical Application

Psalms 121:8 offers immense comfort and encouragement for believers today:

  • Daily Assurance: It reminds us that God is actively involved in our daily lives, watching over our routines, our work, our travels, and our homes. We can face each day with confidence, knowing His hand is upon us.
  • Peace in Transitions: Whether facing a new job, a move, a difficult journey, or any significant life transition, this verse assures us of God's steadfast presence and protection.
  • Overcoming Anxiety: In a world filled with uncertainties and dangers, the promise of God's eternal preservation can alleviate fear and anxiety, replacing it with the peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
  • Spiritual Security: Beyond physical safety, this verse speaks to God's preservation of our souls. It aligns with the New Testament promises of eternal security in Christ and God's ability to keep us from falling and present us faultless before His glory.

This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His personal, comprehensive, and eternal commitment to those who trust in Him.

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.

  • Deuteronomy 28:6

    Blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou comest in, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.

  • Proverbs 2:8

    He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

  • Proverbs 3:6

    In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

  • Ezra 8:31

    ¶ Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

  • Psalms 113:2

    Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

  • Psalms 115:18

    But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 5:2

    Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

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