Psalms 120

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 120

The first of the fifteen Songs of Ascents (120-134), sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for the festivals. The psalmist cries out from a distant land, surrounded by people who love conflict.

Scripture

A Cry Against Liars

Study note

The psalmist calls to the Lord in distress and asks to be rescued from lying lips and deceitful tongues.

1 When I was in deep trouble, I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

2 Save me, LORD, from people whose lips spill out lies and whose tongues twist the truth. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

Living Among Those Who Hate Peace

Study note

The deceitful tongue will be punished. The psalmist is miserable living in Meshech and Kedar — places far from Israel. He is for peace, but when he speaks, they are for war.

3 What punishment is coming your way, you lying tongue? What will God do to you? What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

4 He will strike you with a soldier's sharpened arrows and burn you with red-hot coals! Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

5 How sad that I have had to live in Meshech and make my home among the tents of Kedar! Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

6 For far too long I have lived with people who hate peace. My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

7 I want peace, but every time I open my mouth, they pick a fight. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 120

A cry against deceitful speechLiving among those who hate peaceThe longing for a better homeThe pain of being misunderstood

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 120

The pilgrim's journey begins with a cry from a hostile place. If you feel stuck among people who twist your words and reject peace, you are not alone. This psalm is the starting point of a journey toward God's presence. Even from the worst places, you can begin walking toward him.

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