Psalms 121:5
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֹׁמְרֶ֑ךָ
is thy keeper
H8104
שֹׁמְרֶ֑ךָ
is thy keeper
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Isaiah 25:4For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Exodus 13:21And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:Psalms 16:8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.Psalms 109:31For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.Isaiah 32:2And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Historical Context
Desert and wilderness travel in ancient Israel involved real danger from sun exposure—heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn. Psalm 91:1 similarly speaks of dwelling "in the shadow of the Almighty." Isaiah 25:4 calls God "a shadow from the heat." Jonah's anger at losing his shade-plant (Jonah 4:5-8) shows shade's importance. In battles, shield-bearers protected warriors' right sides (vulnerable to incoming weapons). God functions as both shade (from environmental dangers) and right-hand protector (from hostile attacks). Jesus at God's right hand (Hebrews 1:3) now intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34).
Questions for Reflection
- From what scorching "heat" (trials, temptations, persecutions) does God provide shade in your life?
- What does it mean for God to be at your right hand—both protecting and empowering?
- How can believers remain in God's "shadow" rather than wandering into exposed danger?
Analysis & Commentary
YHWH shomrekha, YHWH tzilkha al yad yeminekha (The LORD is your keeper, the LORD is your shade at your right hand). Shomer (keeper) and tzel (shade/shadow) both indicate protection. Yad yemin (right hand) represents position of honor, strength, protection—guards stood at right hand to shield with their own bodies. In hot Middle Eastern climate, shade means relief, comfort, survival. God as shade protects from scorching dangers. The repetition of YHWH (covenant name) twice emphasizes personal relationship and covenantal commitment.