Unto the hills around do I lift up

1
Unto the hills around do I lift up
  My longing eyes;
O whence for me shall my salvation come,
  From whence arise?
From God the Lord doth come my certain aid,
From God the Lord, who heav’n and earth hath made.
2
He will not suffer that thy foot be moved:
  Safe shalt thou be.
No careless slumber shall His eyelids close,
  Who keepeth thee.
Behold, He sleepeth not, He slumbereth ne’er,
Who keepeth Israel in His holy care.
3
Jehovah is Himself thy keeper true,
  Thy changeless shade;
Jehovah thy defense on thy right hand
  Himself hath made.
And thee no sun by day shall ever smite;
No moon shall harm thee in the silent night.
4
From every evil shall He keep thy soul,
  From every sin;
Jehovah shall preserve thy going out,
  Thy coming in.
Above thee, watching, He whom we adore
Shall keep thee henceforth, yea, for evermore.
6
Ann Eide

Midlothian, VA, United States

This hymn is referenced in the novel Random Passage by Bernice Morgan, about English settlers in Newfoundland. This hymn is sung at a funeral of a woman who has died from childbirth complications.


Steve Miller

Detroit, MI

Addition to Mark Steinacher's comment of 11/6/2013: John George Edward Henry Douglas Sutherland Campbell was born in London, England and married Queen Victoria's daughter, the Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. He was Governor General of Canada (1878-1883) and served in the British House of Commons. The province of Alberta in Canada was named by him after his wife. - Songs of the Spirit by Martin


Mark Steinacher

Brantford, Ontario, Canada

The attribution of the lyrics contains only a partial name. The author's full name was: John Douglas Sutherland Campbell. He was the Duke of Argyll and Marquis of Lorne. He wrote this hymn while serving as Governor-General of Canada. The hymn was inspired by his visit to the Rocky Mountains at Banff, Alberta.


Nsisuk Ekanem

Benin City, Edo, Nigeria

All praise be to God. This hymn makes so much sense to me. I recommend it as an effective elevating tune for early morning worship. I was taught this hymn as a pupil in Army Children School, Uyo, more than 25 years ago yet it continues to edify my spirit each day till date. What are we teaching our children today in schools? May God open our eyes to see that man shall live only but by the word of God. Amen.


Simon Tay

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The dear saints here bring fresh appreciation and meaning to this hymn. The writer and composer did a remarkable job of putting this beautiful Psalm 121 into song.


Connie A-Reyes

California, United States

Wonderful how Psalm 121 was set into this beautiful hymn. Thank you guys.