1:7 the Spirit God gave us. Some Jewish people believed spirits specialized in particular vices or problems, but the Greek term for “spirit” can also mean attitude. The OT spoke of God’s Spirit empowering people for prophetic or other tasks, and of transforming them. Many Jewish teachers believed that God rarely if ever gave the Spirit to individuals in this era, but early Christians believed that they had experienced the end-time promise of this gift (see v. 14; Ac 2:17 – 18). timid. God often encouraged his servants not to be afraid (e.g., Ge 15:1; Jer 1:8).

Psalm 121. Unknown perils, known securities

The question where security can be found (1) could originally have been prompted by any number of situations, but in its present pilgrim context it pictures an anxious gaze at hills which could shelter marauders, or a longing gaze at the far-off hills of Zion: how shall I escape the dangers of the way and arrive within the hills (125:2) of home? But (2) the Lord is the Maker of heaven and earth: every threat arises and every journey is made in his world where he rules supreme. Consequently (3–8) six times the verb ‘to keep’ (watches over, keep) sounds out. The perils are unknown but the security is certain. 3–4 The Lord who redeemed (Ex. 6:6) his son Israel (Ex. 4:22) will not now lose him on his way home! 5–6 The divine companion (at your right hand) stands between you and every threat, real (sun) or imaginary (moon). 7–8 He caters for all harm, guarantees personal security (your life), accompanies life’s busyness (coming and going) for all time (now and forevermore). The Creator is also the Redeemer and the Companion.

22, 23 A counsel, a confidence, a truth and an example. In v 23, for but read ‘for’. The counsel to others to commit all to God in the confidence that he will sustain arises from what is true about the Lord in his opposition to the wicked. Thus the verses pinpoint what you should do, what the Lord does, for the righteous (those right with him, (22)); for the wicked (23); and what I do (23). 22 Cast, ‘Throw’, vigorous action. Cares, ‘allocation’, what is allotted to you. Sustain, the promise is not to remove the burden but to sustain the person. Fall, from the same verb as ‘cause to slip’ (3). However heavy the avalanche of trouble that slips down, the righteous will not be suffered to slip.