Unto the Hills

“Unto the Hills” is a dignified and poetic metrical rendering of Psalm 121, written by John Douglas Sutherland Campbell, the 9th Duke of Argyll and husband to Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. A devout Christian and respected British statesman, Campbell crafted this hymn in 1877 with a reverent tone and lyrical precision that capture the spirit of the original psalm.

Psalm 121 is one of the Songs of Ascents, traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. It opens with the words, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,” evoking a sense of longing and trust. Campbell’s hymn preserves the psalm’s themes of divine protection and constant guidance. It reflects the confidence of the believer that God watches over His people without slumber, preserving them from harm both day and night.

The hymn begins with the believer lifting his eyes toward the hills, asking where help will come from. The answer comes clearly and comfortingly: from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. In subsequent verses, the hymn assures worshipers that God never sleeps, always keeps His children safe, and will guard their lives through every trial and danger.

Campbell’s paraphrase is marked by elevated diction and a regal sense of rhythm, yet it remains accessible to the average worshiper. The structure of the hymn preserves the psalm's progression of thought—from question and answer to reassurance and praise. It emphasizes God's unfailing vigilance and His ability to guard His people in all circumstances. The final stanzas express confidence that God will preserve the soul and direct the believer’s path both now and forever.

The tune most often associated with “Unto the Hills” is “Sandon” by Charles H. Purday, which gives the hymn a calm and meditative mood, fitting the theme of divine protection. The melody supports the reflective nature of the lyrics, making it especially suitable for evening worship services, memorials, or times of reflection and reassurance.

Throughout the years, “Unto the Hills” has been beloved in Scottish and English-speaking churches for its faithful rendering of Scripture and its poetic beauty. It serves as a reminder that the Lord is our Keeper, our Shield, and our unchanging Helper. In a world of uncertainty, this hymn stands as a beacon of trust in the eternal vigilance of God, who guards His people with perfect and unceasing care.