ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 120
“Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.”
Psalms 120:2
The psalmist cries out to Yahweh for deliverance from deceitful tongues, expressing urgency in seeking protection from 'lying lips' which threaten his peace.
What Psalm 120 is about
The psalmist cries for help in distress and receives an answer from Yahweh (v. 1). He pleads for deliverance from 'lying lips' and a 'deceitful tongue' (v. 2). He questions the consequences awaiting those who are deceitful, describing them as 'sharp arrows of the mighty' (vv. 3-4). The psalmist expresses woe for living in Meshech and among the tents of Kedar (v. 5). He feels he has dwelled too long with those who hate peace (v. 6). Although he desires peace, those around him desire war (v. 7).
The psalmist's longing for peace contrasts with the conflict surrounding him and leaves an unresolved tension.
Psalm 120 at a glance
- Psalm 120:1Cry for Help
- Psalm 120:2Plea for Deliverance
- Psalm 120:3–4Consequences of Deceit
- Psalm 120:5Dislocation and Despair
- Psalm 120:6Longing for Peace
- Psalm 120:7Contrasting Desires
Key verse: Psalms 120:2
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 120 (WEB)
Cry for Help Psalm 120:1
1Verse 1. In my distress, I cried to Yahweh.He answered me.
Plea for Deliverance Psalm 120:2
2Verse 2. Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips,from a deceitful tongue.
Consequences of Deceit Psalm 120:3–4
3Verse 3. What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you,you deceitful tongue?4Verse 4. Sharp arrows of the mighty,with coals of juniper.
Dislocation and Despair Psalm 120:5
5Verse 5. Woe is me, that I live in Meshech,that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Longing for Peace Psalm 120:6
6Verse 6. My soul has had her dwelling too longwith him who hates peace.
Contrasting Desires Psalm 120:7
7Verse 7. I am for peace,but when I speak, they are for war.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 120
truth vs deceit
In Psalm 120, deceit is a prominent concern, particularly in verses 2 and 3. The psalmist cries out for deliverance from 'lying lips' and 'a deceitful tongue.' The contrast between truth and deceit is made clear with the assertion of consequences in 'What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue?' This portrays the serious nature of dishonesty in human interaction.
divine justice
The concept of divine justice surfaces in verse 4, where it states, 'Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.' This imagery suggests a severe response to deceit and aligns with the psalmist's plea for deliverance. The consequences described indicate a belief that God will address wrongdoing, highlighting the seriousness of deceit and its repercussions.
longing for peace
Longing for peace is expressed in verses 5 and 6. The psalmist laments living in 'Meshech' and among the 'tents of Kedar,' places associated with conflict and strife. The line 'My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace' reveals a deep desire for peace, contrasting with the surroundings that encourage discord.
trust in God
Trust in God is evident from the very beginning of the psalm, particularly in verse 1, where the psalmist cries out, 'In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me.' This declaration shows reliance on God in times of trouble. The plea for deliverance further reinforces the psalmist's faith in God's ability to provide help and rescue from deceit and conflict.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 120 unfolds
Psalm 120:1 Cry for Help
The psalmist expresses distress and calls out to Yahweh for help, stating that Yahweh answered him in his time of need (v. 1).
Psalm 120:2 Plea for Deliverance
The psalmist requests deliverance from those who speak falsehoods, identifying 'lying lips' and a 'deceitful tongue' as threats to his soul (v. 2).
Psalm 120:3–4 Consequences of Deceit
The psalmist contemplates the severe consequences awaiting deceitful tongues, comparing them to 'sharp arrows of the mighty' and 'coals of juniper' (vv. 3-4).
Psalm 120:5 Dislocation and Despair
The psalmist laments his living situation, expressing distress over residing in Meshech and Kedar, regions associated with conflict and strife (v. 5).
Psalm 120:6 Longing for Peace
The psalmist expresses distress, saying, 'My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace,' reflecting on the struggle of coexisting with those opposed to harmony.
Psalm 120:7 Contrasting Desires
The psalmist contrasts his desire for peace with the aggressive nature of those around him, revealing a conflict between his intentions and their hostility (v. 7).
Key verses
Psalms 120:2The psalmist cries out to Yahweh for deliverance from deceitful tongues, expressing urgency in seeking protection from 'lying lips' which threaten his peace.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 120
- observeIn v1, what is the psalmist's reaction to distress?
- observeIn v5, which two locations does the psalmist mention?
- interpretThe phrase 'deceitful tongue' in v2: what implications does this phrase carry for the psalmist's situation?
- interpretThe imagery of 'sharp arrows of the mighty' in v4: what does this suggest about the psalmist's view of deceit?
- applyWhen have you felt surrounded by 'lying lips' (v2) in your own life?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 120
- Psalm 121Psalm 120:1 and Psalm 121:1Both cry for help: Psalm 120:1 says, 'I cried to Yahweh,' while Psalm 121:1 states, 'Where does my help come from?'.
- Matthew 5Psalm 120:6 and Matthew 5:9Both speak of peace: Psalm 120:6 says, 'him who hates peace,' while Matthew 5:9 declares, 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'.
- James 3Psalm 120:2 and James 3:6Both address deceitful speech: Psalm 120:2 speaks of 'lying lips' while James 3:6 mentions 'the tongue is a fire.'.
- Jonah 2Psalm 120:1 and Jonah 2:2Both cry in distress: Psalm 120:1 states, 'I cried to Yahweh,' while Jonah 2:2 says, 'I called because of my affliction.'.
- Psalm 18Psalm 120:1 and Psalm 18:6Both express a cry for help: Psalm 120:1 states, 'I cried to Yahweh,' while Psalm 18:6 says, 'I called on Yahweh.'.
- Proverbs 6Psalm 120:2 and Proverbs 6:17Both speak of lying: Psalm 120:2 mentions 'lying lips,' while Proverbs 6:17 states, 'a lying tongue.'.
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