1 [[A Song H7892 of degrees.]] H4609 In my distress H6869 I cried H7121 unto the LORD, H3068 and he heard H6030 me.
2 Deliver H5337 my soul, H5315 O LORD, H3068 from lying H8267 lips, H8193 and from a deceitful H7423 tongue. H3956
3 What shall be given H5414 unto thee? or what shall be done H3254 unto thee, thou false H7423 tongue? H3956
4 Sharp H8150 arrows H2671 of the mighty, H1368 with coals H1513 of juniper. H7574
5 Woe H190 is me, that I sojourn H1481 in Mesech, H4902 that I dwell H7931 in the tents H168 of Kedar! H6938
6 My soul H5315 hath long H7227 dwelt H7931 with him that hateth H8130 peace. H7965
7 I am for peace: H7965 but when I speak, H1696 they are for war. H4421
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 120
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.