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Psalm 120 – A Detailed Explanation

 


Psalm 120 – A Detailed Explanation

Text of Psalm 120 (ESV)

1 In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!

1. Introduction to Psalm 120

Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), a special collection of 15 psalms sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for annual feasts such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The word “ascent” refers both to the physical elevation of Jerusalem and the spiritual elevation in drawing near to God.

This particular psalm expresses distress and longing for peace in a hostile world. It is a cry for deliverance from deceit and violence, making it deeply relatable across cultures and eras. As a starting point in the pilgrimage, Psalm 120 represents the pilgrim’s desire to leave behind a corrupt world and move toward God’s holy presence.

2. Structure and Literary Analysis

Psalm 120 has a simple yet powerful structure, divided into three main parts:

  • Verse 1: A personal cry and divine response

  • Verses 2–4: A plea for deliverance from deceitful people

  • Verses 5–7: Lamentation over living among hostile peoples

The poetic techniques used include:

  • Parallelism (common in Hebrew poetry): e.g., “lying lips” and “deceitful tongue” in v.2

  • Imagery: such as “warrior’s sharp arrows” and “glowing coals”

  • Metaphor and Synecdoche: “Meshech” and “Kedar” symbolize hostile territories

3. Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Verse 1:

“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.”

This verse sets the tone—a pattern of distress, prayer, and divine response. The psalmist begins with personal testimony, showing confidence in God’s faithfulness. The use of the past tense (“he answered me”) suggests past experiences of God’s help, giving hope for present troubles.

This echoes other biblical passages (like Jonah 2:2 or Psalm 18:6), reinforcing the idea that God hears and responds to those who cry out in desperation.

Verse 2:

“Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.”

Here, the specific cause of distress is revealed—falsehood and deception. The psalmist is under attack, not with weapons, but with words. Slander, lies, gossip, and deceit can destroy reputations, relationships, and peace.

This plea for deliverance is significant. The psalmist doesn’t retaliate but turns to God for justice, indicating faith in God’s moral order and sovereignty.

Verses 3–4:

“What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!”

These verses shift from a plea to a pronouncement of divine judgment on liars. The question in verse 3 is rhetorical and anticipates punishment. Verse 4 then provides the answer: the deceitful tongue will receive judgment symbolized by “sharp arrows” and “glowing coals.”

  • "Sharp arrows" represent piercing, sudden, and accurate consequences.

  • "Coals of the broom tree" (a desert shrub known for producing long-lasting, intense heat when burned) symbolize enduring punishment.

This poetic justice (burning tongue for a lying tongue) reflects divine retribution: those who harm others with words will themselves suffer a painful recompense.

Verse 5:

“Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!”

The psalmist now expresses lament—feeling like a stranger among hostile peoples. Meshech and Kedar were distant and nomadic tribes:

  • Meshech: a people in modern-day Turkey, associated with barbarism and war

  • Kedar: an Arab tribe in the deserts, also associated with conflict

This may not be literal; the psalmist is likely using these names symbolically to describe a surrounding culture that is alien and antagonistic to peace and truth.

This captures the tension of the faithful living in a corrupt world—a theme resonating throughout Scripture (see 1 Peter 2:11).

Verse 6:

“Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.”

This verse intensifies the lament. The psalmist is not just passing through—he is dwelling among those who oppose peace. There is a sense of weariness, alienation, and spiritual homesickness. The repetition emphasizes the prolonged suffering and longing for something better.

This mirrors the broader biblical theme of the people of God living in exile, longing for a homeland where righteousness dwells (Hebrews 11:13–16).

Verse 7:

“I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!”

The final verse presents a poignant contrast: the speaker seeks peace, but his words are met with hostility. This can relate to anyone who speaks truth, reconciliation, or righteousness, only to be misunderstood or attacked.

The verse echoes Isaiah 59:8 and anticipates Jesus' beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Christ himself experienced this—offering peace yet encountering violence (Luke 19:42–44).

4. Theological Themes in Psalm 120

a. The Pilgrim Life

Psalm 120 introduces the journey of ascent toward God. The pilgrim starts from a place of alienation and moves toward communion with God. It speaks of the longing to escape a corrupt world and seek divine truth and peace.

b. The Power of Words

The psalm highlights the destructive power of deceitful speech. Words can wound deeply and distort reality. Yet it also reminds us that God will deal with those who use their tongue to harm others (see James 3:5–8).

c. God as Deliverer

Throughout the psalm, the focus is on God’s justice and protection. The psalmist does not take vengeance but entrusts the matter to God. This models a life of faith and dependence, knowing that God defends the innocent.

d. Peace in a Violent World

Psalm 120 deals with the tension between desiring peace and living in conflict. This struggle is part of the human condition and especially the spiritual journey. The psalmist’s yearning is ultimately fulfilled in God’s presence and the future kingdom of peace.

5. Relevance and Application Today

Psalm 120 speaks powerfully to modern believers. In a world filled with disinformation, slander, and polarization, its cry for truth and peace remains urgent.

  • For the misunderstood or falsely accused, this psalm provides language for prayer and trust in divine justice.

  • For those who long for peace, it affirms that longing as godly and shows that God's people have always wrestled with hostility.

  • For spiritual pilgrims, Psalm 120 is the first step in a journey toward God's presence—a journey marked by honesty, lament, hope, and perseverance.

It’s a reminder that distress is not the end, but the beginning of drawing nearer to God.

6. Connection to Jesus and the New Testament

Jesus, the true peacemaker, lived Psalm 120. He was surrounded by lies, accused unjustly, and dwelled among those “who hate peace.” Yet He committed Himself to God and did not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23).

Psalm 120 also reflects the reality of Christian life in a fallen world—living in the “already and not yet,” waiting for the kingdom of peace to be fully realized. It encourages believers to fix their eyes on the journey ahead, knowing they are not home yet (Philippians 3:20).

7. Conclusion

Psalm 120 is a raw and honest prayer, marking the beginning of a spiritual ascent toward God. It captures the tension of living in a deceptive, warlike world while longing for truth and peace. Its message transcends time, giving voice to the pain of exile and the hope of divine deliverance.

This psalm encourages the faithful to:

  • Cry out to God in distress

  • Trust in His justice

  • Maintain a heart for peace

  • Continue the journey toward His presence

Though the psalmist begins in sorrow, the path forward leads to joy and worship. Psalm 120 is not the final word—it’s the first step toward home.

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