Psalm 120.  Levavi oculos

On the way to the sanctuary

An exceptionally fervent prayer in the form of a dialogue with the Good Shepherd.  He does not sleep, even though he seems to sleep.  Notice the marching (Gradual) character of the prayer.

Striving for trust in Almighty God

Levávi óculos meos in montes, * unde véniet auxílium mihi.
2  Auxílium meum a Dómino, * qui fecit cælum et terram.

I have lifted up mine eyes unto the hills; * from whence cometh my help.
2  My help cometh even from the Lord, * who hath made heaven and earth.

God's providential care

3  Non det in commotiónem pedem tuum: * neque dormítet qui custódit te.
4  Ecce, non dormitábit neque dórmiet, * qui custódit Israël.

3  May he not suffer thy foot to be moved; * neither let him slumber that keepeth thee.
4  Behold, he that keepeth Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Confidence overcomes

5  Dóminus custódit te, Dóminus protéctio tua, * super manum déxteram tuam.

5  The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy defence * upon thy right hand.

Day and night

6  Per diem sol non uret te: * neque luna per noctem.

6  The sun shall not burn thee by day, * neither the moon by night.

Coming in and going out

7  Dóminus custódit te ab omni malo: * custódiat ánimam tuam Dóminus.
8  Dóminus custódiat intróitum tuum, et éxitum tuum: * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.

7  The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; * yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
8  The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, * from this time forth for evermore.