Psalms Chapter 120 — A Cry for Deliverance
The psalmist seeks God's help after being surrounded by people who use lies and deceit. They express a deep longing for peace while living among those who prefer conflict.
1In my distress, I cried to the LORD.
2Deliver my soul, LORD, from lying lips,
3What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you,
4Sharp arrows of the mighty,
5Woe is me, that I live in Meshech,
6My soul has had her dwelling too long
7I am for peace,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 120:1
“In my distress, I cried to the LORD.”
This verse establishes the foundation of prayer as a response to hardship and trouble.
Psalms 120:2
“Deliver my soul, LORD, from lying lips,”
It identifies the specific challenge the psalmist faces: the personal and social harm caused by dishonest people.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 120 begins with a cry for help to the Lord during a time of personal distress. The psalmist specifically requests deliverance from the harmful effects of lying lips and a deceitful tongue. The text asks what the consequences of such deceit will be, comparing them to sharp arrows of the mighty. The writer laments their current situation, expressing sorrow over living in Meshech and having stayed too long in a place where they feel out of place. The chapter concludes with a declaration of the speaker's desire for peace, contrasting their own character with the environment surrounding them. As the first of the Songs of Ascents, it sets a tone of seeking God's protection and truth while navigating a world filled with dishonesty and hostility.
Frequently Asked Questions
The psalmist asks for deliverance from the Lord, specifically regarding people who use lies and deceitful language to cause harm to his soul.
The text compares the effects of deceitful speech to 'sharp arrows of the mighty.' This imagery suggests that lies can be as piercing and destructive as weapons used in battle.
Meshech is mentioned to express the psalmist's sense of alienation and sorrow. It represents being far from home and surrounded by people who do not value the same principles of peace.
Study Note
Psalm 120 is the first of fifteen 'Songs of Ascents' (Psalms 120–134) traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for religious festivals.
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