The Maker of Heaven and Earth Watching Over His Pilgrims

Among the psalms of ascent, hints of pilgrimage are particularly evident in this psalm. Mention of one’s “foot slipping” and “your coming and going” point to travel. The journeys to and from Jerusalem were made through hills and under “the sun . . . by day” and “the moon by night.”

The “my” in verses 1–2 and “your” in verses 3–8 point to a liturgist (perhaps a priest) and an assembly of pilgrims. Verses 1–2 read as a testimony and verses 3–8 as a priestly assurance to the pilgrims (cf. Ps. 91). The question must remain open as to whether the psalm was used originally on the departure to or from Jerusalem. While the psalm is not a formal priestly blessing (e.g., “may the Lord bless you” or “the Lord bless you”), it does share similariti…