Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#180

180. I Lift My Eyes Up to the Hills

Text Information

• First Line: I lift my eyes up to the hills
• Title: I Lift My Eyes Up to the Hills
• Meter: 866 877
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 121
  ;
  Ephesians 1:3-14
• Topic: Assurance; Providence; Refuge
• Source: Psalter Hymnal, 1987
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVAN 121
• Harmonizer: Howard Slenk (1985)
• Meter: 866 877
• Key: B♭ Major
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 121:14
st. 2 = Ps. 121:5-6
st. 3 = Ps. 121:7-8

A versification of Psalm 121, this text is a composite of the 1931 rhymed versification by Dewey Westra (PHH 98) found in earlier editions of the Psalter Hymnal and an unrhymed draft (1981) by Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22). See PHH 121 for textual commentary on Psalm 121.

Liturgical Use:
See PHH 121. Use stanzas 2 and 3 as a choral benediction.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

First published in the 1551 edition of the Genevan Psalter, GENEVAN 121 is in HypoMixolydian mode. Howard Slenk (PHH 3) provided the harmonization.

GENEVAN 121 is presented in original rhythm rather than in all even notes, as it had been in earlier editions of the Psalter Hymnal. The melody consists of two groups of three phrases in which phrases 2 and 3 are linked without a break. Because each phrase has its own rhythmic pattern, this tune may be difficult for some people to sing. That difficulty is balanced by the ease of the melodic intervals, which are almost always stepwise. Sing the tune with confidence, especially after the question in stanza 1.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook