Psalms 120
Read Psalms 120 (WEB)+
1In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me. 2Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. 3What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue? 4Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. 5Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! 6My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace. 7I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."”
Psalms 120:2
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.
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Chapter outline
How Psalms 120 unfolds
Psalm 120:1 Cry for Help
The psalmist begins in distress, calling out to Yahweh who responds to his plea for help.
Psalm 120:2 Plea for Deliverance
The request for deliverance highlights the danger posed by deceitful people, emphasizing the psalmist's vulnerability.
Psalm 120:3–4 Consequences of Deceit
The psalmist questions the fate of the deceitful tongue, envisioning divine retribution as sharp arrows and burning coals.
Psalm 120:5 Dislocation and Despair
The psalmist expresses sorrow over living among hostile people, using Meshech and Kedar as symbols of foreignness.
Psalm 120:6 Longing for Peace
A deep sense of frustration emerges as the psalmist identifies with peace while being surrounded by conflict.
Psalm 120:7 Contrasting Desires
The closing verse underscores the tension between the psalmist's desire for peace and the aggression of those around him.
Key verses
Psalms 120:2The key verse encapsulates the psalmist's urgent need for divine intervention against the threat of deceitful enemies.
Main themes in Psalms 120
truth vs deceit
Truth versus deceit is central in Psalm 120, particularly in verses 2 and 3 where the psalmist expresses deep anguish over the prevalence of falsehood. He voices a plea for deliverance from those who speak lies, revealing the emotional toll of living in a world filled with deceit. This theme underscores the moral conflict faced by the psalmist, highlighting the struggle for integrity amidst a backdrop of hostility and dishonesty.
divine justice
Divine justice emerges in verses 3 and 4, where the psalmist calls into question the fate of those who wield deceitful tongues. This anticipation of God’s judgment serves to reinforce the psalmist's faith in divine retribution, as he believes that wickedness will not go unpunished. The vivid imagery presented conveys a strong sense of assurance that justice will ultimately prevail over falsehood, reflecting the psalmist's hope for moral order.
longing for peace
The longing for peace is expressed in verses 5 and 6 as the psalmist feels alienated in a hostile land. This yearning is complicated by the reality of surrounding conflict, revealing the deep pain of desiring peace amid strife. The psalmist embodies the struggle of those seeking harmony in a world of discord.
trust in God
Trust in God permeates the psalm, particularly in the opening plea of verse 1 where the psalmist earnestly seeks divine assistance. His heartfelt request for help illustrates a profound reliance on God during times of distress, emphasizing his belief in God’s power to deliver. This theme of trust is pivotal to the psalm's movement, directing the focus toward seeking divine intervention as a source of strength against the adversities faced.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalms 120
- Psalm 121Psalm 121 connects by highlighting God's protective care and assurance in times of distress.
- Matthew 5Matthew 5 echoes the themes of truth and peace, encouraging followers to embody integrity and peacemaking.
- James 3James 3 develops the theme of the tongue, contrasting the destructive nature of deceit with the power of truthful speech.
- Jonah 2Jonah 2 connects as it reflects a cry for deliverance, emphasizing reliance on God during distress.
- Psalm 18Psalm 18 echoes the theme of divine rescue, illustrating God's power against deceitful enemies.
- Proverbs 6Proverbs 6 connects by warning against deceitful speech, highlighting the moral implications of dishonesty.
Study questions
Questions for studying Psalms 120
- What situation is the psalmist facing in verse 1?
- How does the imagery of arrows and coals in verse 4 enhance the theme of divine justice?
- What do Meshech and Kedar represent in verse 5?
- How does the psalmist's identification with peace contrast with the actions of others in verse 7?
- What does the psalmist request from Yahweh in verse 2?
- How does the psalmist’s cry reflect a relationship with God throughout Psalm 120?
- In what way does this psalm reflect the struggles of living among deceitful people?
Psalms 120: frequently asked questions
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