The LORD will guard you from all evil;
This phrase emphasizes God's protective nature over His people. The term "guard" suggests a vigilant, watchful presence, akin to a shepherd watching over his flock. In the context of ancient Israel, this would resonate with the understanding of God as a divine protector against both physical and spiritual threats. The phrase "from all evil" encompasses a broad spectrum of dangers, including moral and spiritual corruption. This aligns with the biblical theme of God as a refuge and fortress, as seen in Psalm 91:2, where God is described as a shelter and stronghold. The assurance of divine protection is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms and is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's safeguarding power (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

He will preserve your soul.
The preservation of the soul indicates a deeper, more eternal protection beyond physical safety. In biblical terms, the "soul" often refers to the entire being, encompassing both physical life and spiritual existence. This promise of preservation suggests that God's care extends into the eternal realm, ensuring the salvation and well-being of the believer's soul. This concept is reinforced in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of eternal life and the security of the believer in passages like John 10:28, where He assures that no one can snatch His followers out of His hand. The idea of God preserving the soul also connects to the hope of resurrection and eternal life, a central tenet of Christian faith.

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to King David, though the specific author of Psalm 121 is not definitively known. The psalmist expresses trust in God's protection.

3. Israel
The nation to whom the psalmist originally writes, representing God's chosen people who look to Him for help and protection.

4. Pilgrims
This psalm is part of the "Songs of Ascents," sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, symbolizing the journey of faith and reliance on God.

5. Jerusalem
The destination of the pilgrims, representing the presence of God and a place of worship and safety.God's Comprehensive Protection
God's protection is not limited to physical safety but extends to spiritual preservation. He guards us from all forms of evil, both seen and unseen.

The Assurance of God's Presence
The promise of God's protection is rooted in His constant presence. Believers can find peace in knowing that God is always with them, watching over their lives.

The Importance of Trust
Trusting in God's protection requires faith. Believers are called to rely on God's promises and His ability to guard their souls against evil.

Spiritual Preservation
The preservation of the soul is a reminder of the eternal security believers have in Christ. This assurance should lead to a life of confidence and peace.

Living in Light of God's Protection
Understanding God's protective nature should inspire believers to live boldly for Him, knowing that He is their ultimate safeguard.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 121:7?

2. How does Psalm 121:7 assure us of God's protection in daily life?

3. What does "The LORD will guard you" reveal about God's role as protector?

4. How can we apply God's promise of protection in Psalm 121:7 today?

5. Connect Psalm 121:7 with another scripture emphasizing God's safeguarding presence.

6. How does trusting God's protection in Psalm 121:7 strengthen our faith journey?

7. How does Psalm 121:7 assure believers of God's protection in times of trouble?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 121:7?

9. How does Psalm 121:7 relate to the overall theme of divine protection in the Psalms?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 121?

11. Psalm 121:7 – Why do believers still face physical harm or death if the Psalm claims God preserves them from “all evil”?

12. What are the Songs of Ascent in the Bible?

13. How can modern readers reconcile Esther 6's miraculous timing and outcomes with skepticism about divine intervention and the absence of God in the book?

14. What does "Kept by the Power of God" mean?The LORD

• The verse opens with the covenant name of God, reminding us that the One speaking protection is the self-existent, promise-keeping Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 declares, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want,” and Isaiah 40:28 calls Him “the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.”

• Because He is personal and unchanging, every assurance that follows rests on His character rather than on our circumstances.

---

will guard you

• “Guard” carries the picture of a vigilant sentry. Psalm 91:4–5 portrays Him covering us “with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge,” while Proverbs 2:8 says He “guards the paths of justice and protects the way of His saints.”

• This guarding is an ongoing action, not occasional; 2 Thessalonians 3:3 echoes, “the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”

---

from all evil

• The promise is comprehensive: not some evil, but “all.” Romans 8:28 reassures that God works “all things” for good, even when evil intentions are present, as Genesis 50:20 illustrates.

• Jesus taught us to pray, “deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13), tying daily life to the same protective theme. The scope covers visible dangers, unseen spiritual attacks, and the subtle lure of sin.

---

He will preserve

• “Preserve” speaks of sustaining and keeping intact. Psalm 41:2 affirms, “The LORD protects and preserves him,” and Jude 1:24 praises the One “able to keep you from stumbling.”

• Preservation is not merely rescue in crises; it is continual maintenance. 1 Peter 1:5 describes believers as “shielded by God’s power” until the final unveiling of salvation.

---

your soul

• God’s care penetrates deeper than physical safety; it reaches the eternal core of who we are. Jesus underscored this priority: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28).

• Eternal security flows from His hand: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28-29). David voiced the same confidence: “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol” (Psalm 16:10).

• Thus the promise covers both present pilgrimage and everlasting destiny, aligning with 1 Thessalonians 5:23, where God pledges to keep “spirit, soul, and body … blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

---

summary

Psalm 121:7 assures that the covenant-keeping LORD constantly stands guard, shielding every believer from every form of evil, sustaining life moment by moment, and securing the soul forever. The verse calls us to steady confidence: the God who shepherds us today will keep us unshakably safe for eternity.

(7-8) Instead of preserve, read keep, the persistent dwelling on this one word making one of the chief beauties of this hymn.

Verse 7. - The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; or, "keep thee." The same verb is used throughout. He shall preserve thy soul; or, keep thy soul.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The LORD
יְֽהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will guard you
יִשְׁמָרְךָ֥ (yiš·mā·rə·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

from all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

evil;
רָ֑ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

He will preserve
יִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר (yiš·mōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

your soul.
נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃ (nap̄·še·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


Psalm 121:7 NIV
Psalm 121:7 NLT
Psalm 121:7 ESV
Psalm 121:7 NASB
Psalm 121:7 KJV

Psalm 121:7 BibleApps.com
Psalm 121:7 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 121:7 Chinese Bible
Psalm 121:7 French Bible
Psalm 121:7 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 121:7 Yahweh will keep you from all evil (Psalm Ps Psa.)