The scope of this Psalms is to show that God alone is the refuge of the distressed.

I. While some are looking for earthly comfort and support, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," &c.

II. Faith sees God, the only helper; and says, "My help is the Lord." And the first reason for this is given: God's omnipotence and sufficiency.

"The Lord that made heaven and earth," and is consequently the author and dispenser of all spiritual and temporal blessings.

And the second reason is, his grace and goodness; "he will not suffer thy foot to be moved." A third reason is, his watchful care: "He that keepeth thee will not slumber." III. The end which God proposes in his watching, - to keep therm 1. He is the "Keeper of Israel." He guards his Church; he is as a wall of fire about it.

2. He is a shade. This certainly refers to that kind of umbraculum, or parasol, which was in very ancient use in the eastern countries. The sense of the passage is, Neither the day of prosperity nor the night of adversity shall hurt thee; nor the heat of persecution, nor the coldness of friends or relatives: all these shall work for thy good.

3. "He shall preserve thee from all evil;" - and, 4. Especially from every thing that might hurt thy soul: "He shall preserve thy soul." The psalmist concludes with this encouraging assurance.

1. "The Lord shall preserve thy going out." We are always beginning or ending some action, going abroad or returning home; and we need the protecting care of God in all.

2. "From this time forth." Now that thou hast put thy whole trust and confidence in God, he will be thy continual portion and defense in all places, in all times, in all actions; in life, in prosperity, in adversity, in death, in time, and in eternity.

Matthew Henry Commentary

--We must not rely upon men and means, instruments and second causes Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills? upon princes and grea men? No; my confidence is in God only. Or, we must lift up our eye above the hills; we must look to God who makes all earthly things to u what they are. We must see all our help in God; from him we must expec it, in his own way and time. This psalm teaches us to comfort ourselve in the Lord, when difficulties and dangers are greatest. It is almight wisdom that contrives, and almighty power that works the safety of those that put themselves under God's protection. He is a wakeful watchful Keeper; he is never weary; he not only does not sleep, but he does not so much as slumber. Under this shade they may sit with deligh and assurance. He is always near his people for their protection an refreshment. The right hand is the working hand; let them but turn to their duty, and they shall find God ready to give them success. He wil take care that his people shall not fall. Thou shalt not be hurt neither by the open assaults, nor by the secret attempts of thin enemies. The Lord shall prevent the evil thou fearest, and sanctify remove, or lighten the evil thou feelest. He will preserve the soul that it be not defiled by sin, and disturbed by affliction; he wil preserve it from perishing eternally. He will keep thee in life an death; going out to thy labour in the morning of thy days, and comin home to thy rest when the evening of old age calls thee in. It is protection for life. The Spirit, who is their Preserver and Comforter shall abide with them for ever. Let us be found in our work, assure that the blessings promised in this psalm are ours __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew