Psalms 121:7

“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”

Psalm 121:7 (KJV):The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

Background:Psalm 121 is one of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (Psalm 120-134) believed to be sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. It is a psalm of trust and assurance in God’s protection and care.

The Lord as our Preserver:The psalmist declares that the Lord shall preserve or keep us. This preservation is a promise of God’s watchful care and protection. The Hebrew word used here is "shamar," which means to guard, watch over, or keep. It implies a vigilant and attentive watchfulness of God over His people.

Protection from all evil:The psalmist further assures that the Lord will preserve us from all evil. This doesn’t mean that we will never face hardships or difficulties in life, but it emphasizes God’s ability to protect and deliver us from the ultimate harm that evil seeks to inflict. God is our shield and refuge from the power of evil, both spiritual and physical.

Preservation of the soul:The psalmist emphasizes that the Lord will preserve our soul. Our soul refers to our inner being, the eternal part of us that is in relationship with God. God is concerned not only with our physical well-being but also with the state of our soul. He protects us from spiritual dangers, preserves our faith, and ensures our ultimate salvation.

The trustworthiness of God’s promises:Throughout Psalm 121, the psalmist expresses unwavering trust in the Lord’s faithfulness. Verse 7 reiterates this trust by proclaiming that God is indeed able to fulfill His promises of preservation and protection. As believers, we can take comfort in the assurance that God is reliable and faithful to His word.

Application:Psalm 121:7 encourages us to trust in God’s preserving power. We can seek His protection and find comfort in His watchful care, knowing that He is capable of safeguarding us from evil and preserving our souls. It is a reminder to rely on God’s promises and place our trust in Him, especially during challenging times when we may face various forms of adversity.

• Psalm 121:7 assures us of God’s preserving power.
• He promises to protect us from all evil and preserve our souls.
• This verse reminds us to trust in God’s faithfulness and seek His care and protection in all aspects of our lives.