Psalms 120

A Cry for Truth and Peace

A song of ascents.

1 In my distress I called to the  Lord,

and he answered me.  * 120:1 Ps 18:6; Jnh 2:2

2 "Lord, rescue me from lying lips

and a deceitful tongue."  * 120:2 Pr 12:22

3 What will he give you,

and what will he do to you,

you deceitful tongue?  * 120:3 Zph 3:13

4 A warrior’s sharp arrows

with burning charcoal!  * 120:4 Lit with coals of the broom bush,* 120:4 Pr 25:18,22

5 What misery that I have stayed in Meshech,  * 120:5 = a people far to the north of Palestine,* 120:5 Ezk 27:13

that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!  * 120:5 = a nomadic people of the desert to the southeast,* 120:5 Sg 1:5; Ezk 27:21

6 I have dwelt too long

with those who hate peace.  * 120:6 Ps 35:20

7 I am for peace; but when I speak,

they are for war.  * 120:7 Ps 109:4