A God Who Never Sleeps (v. 1). As you review these fifteen psalms, you see that the pilgrims had a variety of experiences on their journey, but they arrived safely in the Holy City, fulfilled their obligations, and were now preparing to return home. It was night, and they wanted to make one last visit to the temple. Directed by the high priest, the temple priests and Levites were responsible to make sure everything was in order for the next day’s ministry. They also checked the building to see that nothing dangerous or defiling had gotten past the doorkeepers and was hidden in the sacred precincts. The pilgrims heard a temple choir singing the praises of Jehovah, and their ministry would continue all night. Pagan temples were silent at night, because their gods had to rest (1 Kings 18:27), but “He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (121:3-4 nkjv). The Lord gives sleep to His beloved people, but He stays awake and guards the city and watches over the family (127:1-2). He also hears the praises of His people.

“The Lord that made heaven and earth” (v. 3) also made the day and the night (Gen. 1:14-19), and the darkness and the light are both alike to Him (139:11-12). When we go to sleep, we know that the Father is caring for us, and when we awaken, He is there to greet us (91:1-6). If we awaken in the night, we can fellowship with Him and meditate on His Word (119:55, 62, 147-148). If God never slumbers nor sleeps, why should we stay awake all night, tossing and turning and fretting? “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10).