Psalms 120 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 120

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, who is believed to have written the majority of the psalms. Psalm 120 is a lament, expressing the psalmist’s distress over the deceitful and hostile environment in which they find themselves. The author in this chapter cries out to God, seeking deliverance from the treacherous and manipulative individuals who surround them. The psalmist’s words echo the sentiments expressed in Proverbs 12:22, which states, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” The author’s plea for help reflects the ongoing struggle between truth and falsehood, a theme that is woven throughout the Scriptures. We will witness the psalmist’s anguish over the prevalence of deceit and the longing for a righteous and just society as we delve into this psalm. The author’s cry for divine intervention foreshadows the ultimate triumph of truth and the restoration of harmony, as promised in the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Micah.

Psalms 120:1-2

The verse in Psalms 120:1-2 is divided into two essential sections.

1. I cried to the Lord in my distress, and He heard me.” – This first section sets the tone for the entire verse by illustrating a powerful message of faith and dependence on the Lord in times of trouble. The psalmist, who is believed to be David in some interpretations, is in distress and turns to the Lord for help. This act of turning to God in distress is a common theme throughout the Bible. It reminds us that in times of trouble, we should not rely solely on our own strength but should seek guidance, comfort, and support from God. This act of crying out to the Lord also demonstrates humility and acknowledgment of our own limitations, recognizing that only God can truly provide the solutions and peace we seek.

2. “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue. The psalmist requests deliverance from lying and deceitful individuals in this section. This plea is indicative of the struggles faced by the righteous against the wicked in society. Throughout the Bible, the theme of deception and falsehood is recurrent, with numerous examples of individuals falling victim to lies and deceit. The psalmist’s plea for deliverance can also be interpreted metaphorically as a desire for protection from those who seek to harm or deceive them, reflecting a universal human need for protection from malicious intent.

The overall message of these verses in Psalms 120 is that in times of distress, we should turn to God for help and protection. It emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in the Lord, recognizing His ability to hear our prayers and deliver us from trouble. This psalm resonates with the broader themes of trust, faith, and reliance on God that are woven throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we can find solace and strength by seeking God’s aid and guidance. Other passages in the Bible like Psalms 34:17-19 and Proverbs 3:5-6 echo similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of seeking God in times of need and trusting in His guidance.

Psalms 120:3-4

Psalms 120:3-4 says, “What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue? He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush. King David addresses the issue of deceitful tongues and false accusations in these two verses. The question in the first part of verse 3 poses, “What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?”” Here, David is questioning the consequences that will befall those who use deceitful language to harm others. A deceitful tongue refers to a tongue that speaks lies, gossip, or slander. Throughout the Bible, the importance of truthful and kind speech is emphasized. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” This verse highlights the contrast between the deceitful tongue, which will ultimately face judgement, and the truthful tongue, which is pleasing to God.

The latter part of verse 3 and verse 4 describe the punishment that will be meted out on those who use deceitful tongues. The imagery of sharp arrows and burning coals of the broom bush conveys the severity of the consequences that await the wicked. Sharp arrows symbolize the swift and piercing judgement of God, while burning coals represent the intense and lasting pain that will be inflicted upon the deceitful. This vivid imagery serves as a warning against the destructive power of false words and malicious intent.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who faced the consequences of deceitful tongues. Joseph’s brothers used deceitful language to convince their father Jacob that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal in the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. This act of deception led to years of separation and suffering for Joseph. However, in the end, Joseph forgave his brothers and God used their evil intentions for good (Genesis 50:20). Psalms 120:3-4 serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking truthfully and avoiding deceitful speech. It warns against the harm that can be caused by gossip, lies, and slander, and highlights the accountability that awaits those who engage in such behavior. We, as believers, are called to speak with integrity and love, knowing that our words have the power to build up or tear down (Ephesians 4:29).

Psalms 120:5-7

The psalmist in Psalm 120:5-7 expresses his anguish and frustration over dwelling among those who hate peace. Let’s break down this verse:

Verse 5: “Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! The psalmist in this verse laments his current situation, using Meshek and Kedar as symbolic representations of places where conflict and hostility exist. Meshek was believed to be an area in the north, possibly referring to a place inhabited by warlike people. Kedar, on the other hand, was a nomadic tribe known for their hostility. The psalmist is highlighting the distress he feels living among people who are filled with hatred and violence by referencing these locations.

This verse serves as a reminder of the turmoil that can come from being surrounded by those who do not value peace. It prompts us to reflect on our own environments and the impact they have on our spiritual well-being. It also calls us to seek peace and pursue harmonious relationships even in the midst of strife and conflict. Romans 12:18 echoes this sentiment, urging us to live at peace with everyone as much as it depends on us.

Verse 6: “Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.”

Here, the psalmist emphasizes the duration of his suffering, longing for a time when peace will prevail. The prolonged exposure to discord and enmity has taken a toll on him, leading him to cry out for relief. This verse conveys the deep distress caused by living in a constant state of conflict and how it can wear down the spirit over time.

This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining environments of peace and harmony in our lives. It prompts us to evaluate the relationships and situations we are in, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and unity where there is discord. Proverbs 16:7 reinforces this idea by stating that when a person’s ways please the Lord, even their enemies will be at peace with them.

Verse 7: “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war. The psalmist in the final verse reaffirms his stance on peace, contrasting it with the belligerent nature of those around him. Despite his desire for peace, he is met with hostility and conflict when he attempts to engage in dialogue. This verse highlights the frustrating reality of trying to promote peace in a hostile environment and the challenges that come with advocating for reconciliation.

This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties that often arise when striving for peace in a world filled with discord. It underscores the importance of perseverance in promoting peace and standing firm in one’s beliefs, even in the face of opposition. Matthew 5:9 emphasizes the blessedness of peacemakers, encouraging us to actively seek peace and work towards reconciliation in all circumstances. The psalmist grapples with living among those who thrive on conflict, encapsulating his struggles and yearnings in Psalm 120:5-7. Through these verses, we are reminded of the importance of pursuing peace, even in the midst of turmoil, and the challenges that may arise in promoting harmony. It encourages us to seek peaceful resolutions, cultivate environments of reconciliation, and remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, drawing strength from God’s guidance and wisdom.

After Psalms 120

The weary traveler had finally reached the end of his long and arduous journey. He could feel the weight of his burdens begin to lift as he stood at the threshold of the holy city. The reverend knew that the next chapter would bring a time of rest and reflection, a chance for the pilgrim to find solace in the presence of the divine. With a deep breath, the traveler stepped forward, ready to embrace the peace and tranquility that awaited him within the sacred walls.