Psalm 120
Psalm 120 is the first of the fifteen Songs of Ascents, traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. It expresses a deep personal distress over deceit and hostility, seeking God's deliverance. The psalmist calls upon God in a time of trouble, lamenting the lies and aggression he faces, but also expressing confidence in God's justice. The chapter reflects the experience of a believer yearning for peace amid hostility.
Psalm 120:1 (NKJV)
1 In my distress I cried to the Lord,
And He heard me.
The psalmist recalls a time of personal crisis when he turned to God in prayer. His words reflect trust in God’s responsiveness, affirming that God listens to His people when they cry out in distress. This verse introduces the tone of the psalm—a combination of lament and reliance on God's faithfulness.
Psalm 120:2 (NKJV)
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips
And from a deceitful tongue.
The plea for deliverance shows that the psalmist is suffering due to lies and deceit. These words suggest he is facing false accusations or slander, and he appeals to God for rescue from this oppression. The focus on dishonesty emphasizes the pain caused by untruthful speech.
Psalm 120:3 (NKJV)
3 What shall be given to you,
Or what shall be done to you,
You false tongue?
The psalmist questions what punishment or justice awaits those who practice deceit. This rhetorical question underscores the severity of lying and suggests that divine retribution will come upon the dishonest. It reflects a belief in God's justice against wicked speech.
Psalm 120:4 (NKJV)
4 Sharp arrows of the warrior,
With coals of the broom tree!
The imagery of sharp arrows and burning coals symbolizes the intensity of God’s judgment. Arrows imply precision and pain, while broom tree coals burn intensely and last a long time. These metaphors convey the severe consequences awaiting those who lie and deceive.
Psalm 120:5 (NKJV)
5 Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech,
That I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
The psalmist laments living in places symbolic of hostility—Meshech and Kedar. These were distant and foreign regions associated with violence and conflict, metaphorically representing his difficult circumstances. His words express the burden of living among people who oppose peace.
Psalm 120:6 (NKJV)
6 My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace.
The psalmist feels exhausted from living among those who resist peace. This verse highlights the spiritual and emotional toll of prolonged exposure to conflict and hostility. His words reflect a deep longing for peace and relief from strife.
Psalm 120:7 (NKJV)
7 I am for peace;
But when I speak, they are for war.
The psalmist concludes by contrasting his desire for peace with the aggression of those around him. Despite his efforts to promote harmony, others respond with hostility. This verse captures the frustration of dealing with unresponsive and contentious people, reinforcing the need to depend on God for peace and justice.