Chapter 120
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
2Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
3What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
4Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
6My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
7I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.”
Overview
Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. The psalmist cries out to the LORD in distress, asking to be delivered from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. He compares the damage of deceit to sharp arrows of the mighty and coals of juniper. He laments dwelling among those who hate peace — in Mesech and the tents of Kedar. When he speaks for peace, they are for war.
Key Themes
Crying Out from Hostile Territory
The psalmist feels surrounded by deceivers and warmongers — his spiritual journey begins from a place of distress and alienation.
The Destructive Power of Deceit
Lying lips and deceitful tongues are compared to weapons of war — sharp arrows and burning coals — revealing the devastating power of dishonesty.
Longing for Peace
The psalmist is a man of peace dwelling among those who love war — his pilgrimage to Jerusalem is driven by a longing for the peace found in God's presence.
Study Questions
Why does the pilgrim journey to Jerusalem begin with a psalm of distress (v. 1)?
How does the comparison of lying to 'sharp arrows' and 'coals of juniper' (v. 4) illustrate the harm of deceit?
What does it mean to dwell in 'Mesech' and 'Kedar' (v. 5)? Are these literal or metaphorical?
How does the contrast between desiring peace and living among the warlike resonate today?
What does this psalm teach about the starting point of spiritual pilgrimage?
Connection to Christ
Jesus knew what it meant to dwell among the deceitful and those who hated peace. He was surrounded by lying tongues throughout His ministry and trial. Yet He is the Prince of Peace who leads His people on the ultimate pilgrimage — from the distress of this world to the heavenly Jerusalem.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 120. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?