There are no question marks in ancient Hebrew, so Psalm 121:1 is ambiguous. Older translations made it a statement, with verse 2 being a continuation of the same thought. Here are those two verses in the 16th century Geneva Bible (the later KJV is similar):
I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains, from whence my help shall come.New translations, though, make verse 1 a question, with verse 2 being its answer, as here, in the NRSV:
Mine help cometh from the Lord, which hath made the heaven and the earth.
I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?Either way of looking at it is fine, I think, and there are different times in my life that I might appreciate first one and then the other translation. When times are tough but faith is firm, then I can look confidently to the hills and know that my hope is no less firm than the tallest mountain on earth. But when times are difficult, and I am filled with doubt, then I might look to the oldest of hills and question where God is. And that's okay, because when faith is earnestly sought, God is never as far away as I might perceive God to be, as v. 2 reminds me.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
So whether verse 2 is the answer to my question or the continuation of my affirmation, it is wonderful news. The God who created all that is knows who I am and is there for me.
Lord, ever watchful and faithful, I look to you to be my defense, and I lift up my heart that I may know your help; through Jesus Christ, who taught me to pray...
✙ Celebrating Common Prayer, Soc. of St. Francis (alt.) ✙
