Psalms – Chapter 120

Old Testament • 8 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 120 of Psalms begins: "I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me." Across its 8 verses, two threads run through the text: suffering and trial and sin and divine judgment. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me.

2My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

3May he not suffer thy foot to be moved: neither let him slumber that keepeth thee.

4Behold he shall neither slumber nor sleep, that keepeth Israel.

5The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection upon thy right hand.

6The sun shall not burn thee by day: nor the moon by night.

7The Lord keepeth thee from all evil: may the Lord keep thy soul.

8May the Lord keep thy coming in and thy going out; from henceforth now and for ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 120

“My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Psalms 120:2

“The Lord keepeth thee from all evil: may the Lord keep thy soul.”

Psalms 120:7

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 120 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 8 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me." It concludes: "May the Lord keep thy coming in and thy going out; from henceforth now and for ever. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 2: "My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." The passage repeatedly touches on suffering and trial.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 436). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize suffering and trial as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 120 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 120. At the moral level, stewardship of creation challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 133).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 385).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 120 about?

Psalms 120 contains 8 verses. It opens with "I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me." and closes with "May the Lord keep thy coming in and thy going out; from henceforth now and for ever. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 120?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Jeremiah 30Shares people and themes with this chapterGenesis 32Shares people and themes with this chapterExodus 18Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer in Time of Suffering🙏Anima Christi🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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