Psalms 120

Summary

Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents and reflects a cry for deliverance from deceitful enemies. The psalmist begins with a personal plea to the Lord, seeking relief from distress caused by lying lips and deceitful tongues. This plea highlights a longing for truth and justice, suggesting that the petitioner is surrounded by falsehood and slander. The psalmist questions what will be given or done to a deceitful tongue, emphasizing a divine response to wickedness. Divine retribution is depicted with the imagery of warrior-sharp arrows and burning coals, suggesting a strong and purifying judgment. The psalm further expresses a sense of dislocation and estrangement, as the psalmist mentions dwelling in Meshech and among the tents of Kedar—places representative of foreign lands and hostility. This indicates a feeling of living among adversaries and longing for peace. Yet, despite the longing for peace, the surrounding context is one of war, creating a stark contrast between the desires of the peacemaker and the aggression of others. The psalm ends with a deep yearning for deliverance and God's intervention, stressing the hope for divine action amidst conflict and deception. Theologically, this psalm emphasizes themes of truth versus deception and the assurance of God's justice. It expresses a human struggle with evil and the belief in divine vindication against falsehood. The psalmist's trust in God highlights the importance of reliance on divine help and the ultimate triumph of truth and righteousness over wickedness and lies.