The word 'help' here is 'ezer' in Hebrew, from the word 'azar', which means 'to surround, to protect, to aid'. Indeed, He is the Lord who surrounds you, protects you, and aids you. In cross-reference, this word 'help' is also found in Psalm 46:1-3 that says, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling (bursting, increasing in volume)'.
Recently, I heard and released these words to the congregation I was ministering to:
"This is not the time to look at your left or your right, or pattern after this or that. This is the time to look to Me for help. When no one else can help you, I am your very present help."
People of God, in a time like this, 'look to the Lord, not to the world' for help. Look above the strength or power of this earth, and look at the hills (of Jerusalem), from whence (where) comes your help.
I used to think the psalmist (of Psalm 121) was referring to any hill (or mount) on earth, but soon my eyes were opened to see that he was referring to the holy hills of Jerusalem. These (holy hills) symbolize 'where the presence of the Lord is', and 'where the ark of the covenant is', which speaks of Jesus Himself. Moriah, one of the holy hills of Jerusalem, was where Solomon built the first temple (see 2 Chronicles 3:1), and it was also here that Abraham went to 'sacrifice' his son Isaac as 'burnt offering' (see Genesis 22:2).
Note that there are seven hills (or mountains) that surround Jerusalem, namely Moriah, Bethsaida, Scopus, Olives, Opel, Zion, and Calvary. Psalm 125:1-2 says, 'Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forever'.
Let's continue with Psalm 121 now. Psalm 121:5-8 then says, 'The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve (keep) you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve (keep) your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and even forevermore.'
The word 'shade' here means 'shadow, defense, or hovering over' in Hebrew, and 'your right hand' speaks of 'whatever you put your hands on'. In the Hebrew context, 'the right hand' always means 'the working hand'. By the way, do you know how the English word 'umbrella' is derived from? This word 'umbrella' comes from the Latin word umbra, which also means 'shade, or shadow'. In other words, the Lord is like the 'umbrella' over all that you put your hands to do. Amen!
In the New Covenant, the Lord has also promised you 'help' - the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16-17, Jesus Himself said, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."
This word 'Helper' (or 'Comforter' in King James Version) is 'parakletos' in Greek, which means 'advocate (i.e. 'one who is for you'), consoler, or intercessor'. In John 14:26, Jesus said further, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." In John 14:27, Jesus then continued, "(Therefore) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." You see, John 14:27 is spoken in the context of John 14:26.
And then in Romans 8:26-28, the apostle Paul wrote, "Likewise the Spirit (Helper) also helps in our weaknesses (or infirmities). For we do not know what we should pray..., but the Spirit (Helper) Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints (you and I who are in Christ) according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Amen!
