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Psalms 120:2-6 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

2 O Lord, be the saviour of my soul from false lips, and from the tongue of deceit.

3 What punishment will he give you? what more will he do to you, you false tongue?

4 Sharp arrows of the strong, and burning fire.

5 Sorrow is mine because I am strange in Meshech, and living in the tents of Kedar.

6 My soul has long been living with the haters of peace.

Commentary on Psalms 120 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 120

Ps 120:1-7. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134) entitled "A Song of Degrees" (Ps 121:1—literally, "A song for the degrees"), or ascents. It seems most probable they were designed for the use of the people when going up (compare 1Ki 12:27, 28) to Jerusalem on the festival occasions (De 16:16), three times a year. David appears as the author of four, Solomon of one (Ps 127:1), and the other ten are anonymous, probably composed after the captivity. In this Psalm the writer acknowledges God's mercy, prays for relief from a malicious foe, whose punishment he anticipates, and then repeats his complaint.

2, 3. Slander and deceit charged on his foes implies his innocence.

tongue—as in Ps 52:2, 4.

4. Sharp arrows of the mighty—destructive inflictions.

coals of juniper—which retain heat long. This verse may be read as a description of the wicked, but better as their punishment, in reply to the question of Ps 120:3.

5. A residence in these remote lands pictures his miserable condition.

6, 7. While those who surrounded him were maliciously hostile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm may well begin such a series as this, as a contrast to the promised joys of God's worship.