Worthy.Bible » DARBY » Psalms » Chapter 120 » Verse 1-7

Psalms 120:1-7 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 {A Song of degrees.} In my trouble I called unto Jehovah, and he answered me.

2 Jehovah, deliver my soul from the lying lip, from the deceitful tongue.

3 What shall be given unto thee, what shall be added unto thee, thou deceitful tongue?

4 Sharp arrows of a mighty one, with burning coals of broom-wood.

5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

6 My soul hath long dwelt with them that hate peace.

7 I [am for] peace; but when I speak, *they* [are] for war.

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.