Psalm 120
- In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
- Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
- What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
- Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
- Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
- My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
- I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120 expresses the psalmist’s distress and plea for deliverance from deceitful tongues and those who seek conflict. The psalmist begins by recounting their cry to the Lord in distress, confident in His ability to hear and respond.
The psalmist then appeals to God for deliverance from the harm caused by lying lips and deceitful tongues. They question the fate of those who engage in falsehood, suggesting that they will face the consequences of their actions through divine judgment.
In verses 4-5, the psalmist uses vivid imagery to express their anguish over dwelling among those who promote conflict and hostility. Mesech and Kedar represent regions known for their opposition to peace. The psalmist laments their prolonged association with those who hate peace, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining a peaceful disposition in such surroundings.
Despite their longing for peace, the psalmist acknowledges the reality of living amidst conflict and discord. They express a desire for peace but recognize the hostility and opposition they face when advocating for it.
Overall, Psalm 120 serves as a prayer for deliverance from deceitful tongues and conflict-ridden environments. It encourages believers to trust in God’s intervention and to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, even in the midst of adversity.