Yahweh Shamar: The LORD our Keeper

Millersport Covenant Church Sermon Podcasts

Psalm 121 is one of the Psalms of Ascent and those include Psalms 120 through 134. Some refer to them as the Songs of the Stairs, believing they're among the songs the faithful sang while climbing the steps to the Temple in Jerusalem. Others suppose they were songs sung by Pilgrims headed to Jerusalem for annual festivals like the Feast of Tabernacles or Passover. Still others posit the ascent songs were sung by the exiles of Judah as they returned from captivity in Babylon. All three scenarios likewise may be true. There's a Hebrew word throughout this Psalm that should encourage our hearts. Shamar is that word and it means: to keep, preserve, guard, watch over, and to attend to carefully. And Who is behind this kind and caring activity? God Almighty! Yahweh! Then we must ask what should the reality of God watching over us, preserving and keeping us, mean for our souls? Security! That the Maker of heaven and earth, all things seen and unseen, tenderly keeps watch over us, cares for, nourishes, and protects us, should impart a deep and abiding peace (Shalom!). Let us therefore exclaim together: Who is this God that He is so lovingly mindful of us?!