It all depends on the sense of the word “keep.” The Hebrew verb used here can also mean “guard, watch, preserve.” Moreover, the tense of the verb in Psalm 121:7 is future, something missed in the translation I’m using today (NLT). Second, there is a sense in which it is completely true that the Lord keeps us from all harm.
PSALM 121 THE LIVING BIBLE FULL
Only when we take all the psalms together, in the context of Holy Scripture, do we begin to grasp the full truth of who God is and how he relates to us. One psalm is not meant to give us the whole picture. Rather, he speaks hyperbolically to celebrate the overarching and faithful care of God. He does not even feel the need to take into consideration other perspectives found in the Psalms.
Thus, when the writer of Psalm 121 affirms, “The LORD will keep you from all harm,” he does not qualify it as if he were writing a treatise on the problem of evil. The Psalms should not be read as systematic theology, with every phrase taken as prosaic, stand-alone truth. They express the deepest feelings and thoughts of the psalm writers in a wide variety of circumstances. What are we to make of this apparent inconsistency? In another psalm, the psalmist experiences harm and attributes this to the Lord himself. Similarly, in Psalm 71:20 we read, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life.” The Hebrew word translated here as “bitter” is the same word found in Psalm 121:7, where it is translated as “harm.” So, in one psalm the Lord keeps us from all harm. The psalm writer laments because he has been the victim of those who “do evil” (Ps. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears” (Ps. In Psalm 6, for example, we read, “I am worn out from my groaning. Other passages in the Psalms bear witness to the reality that God’s people can suffer harm. Is God keeping them from all harm? It doesn’t seem so. I think of Christians in places of the world where they regularly experience persecution, even martyrdom. My life will be filled only with good things.īut wait! Is this really true? I have had my share of difficulties in life, and I know people whose suffering far exceeds my own.
If I only live my life in relationship with God, then I will be kept from all harm. The Lord will keep us from all harm! Wow! That sounds wonderful. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.Īt first glance, Psalm 121:7 offers tremendous assurance.
PSALM 121 THE LIVING BIBLE HOW TO
If the “Play Arrow” does not appear on the player, hover your mouse over the left side of the player and click to begin playing.Īudio commentary & readings by Tom Dooley used by permission of MasterMedia Ministries. Listen and read along to The One Year ® Bible audio readings from the New Living Translation ©1996 We are pleased to provide The One Year ® Bible commentary and readings by Tom Dooley. Note: If you have chosen to begin reading through the Bible on a date other than January 1st you can utilize the reading links on either of the “7 Day Reading” pages for the One Year or Chronological plans. How are you drawing near to God, earnestly seeking Him?Īudio Commentary and Reading of the New Living Translation ©1996 ( Please note that there are variations in the text of the current and 1996 NLT versions.) If we turn from the world and turn to God, He promises to draw near to us.Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ~ James 4:7 (NLT) How is God giving you a vision of a restored life, family or church? Though the Temple was in ruins, God gave Ezekiel a vision of the Temple restored. Ezekiel’s vision of the Temple was a vision of hope.PROVERBS 28:3-5 “What Now” Study Questions: No other “through the bible” plan presents the entire bible in such a user-friendly format. This arrangement of Scripture brings variety and a fresh approach to each day’s reading, while providing a clear understanding of the Bible’s larger message. The One Year® Bible daily readings consist of passages from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Welcome to the daily readings from, the original online guide for those desiring to read through the Bible in one year.
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