Meshech and Kedar, geographically impossible neighbors from opposite ends of the ancient world, symbolize the psalmist's complete alienation among humanity's most warlike peoples.
Psalms 120
Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers
1In my distress, I cried to the LORD. He answered me.
2Deliver my soul, LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
3What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue?
4Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace.
7I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.
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Theme
Psalm 120 opens the Songs of Ascents collection with a heartfelt cry for deliverance from deceitful enemies and slanderous tongues. The psalmist expresses deep anguish at living among hostile people who respond to peaceful overtures with warfare and conflict. This prayer reflects the experience of God's people dwelling as strangers in foreign lands, longing for divine protection and the peace that only comes from the Lord.
Context
This psalm begins the fifteen Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for religious festivals.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-2 Cry for Divine Deliverance The psalmist calls upon the LORD for rescue from lying lips and deceitful tongues.
- 3-4 Divine Judgment on Deceivers A rhetorical question anticipates God's punishment of the deceitful tongue with sharp arrows and burning coals.
- 5-7 Lament of Living Among Enemies The psalmist mourns dwelling among hostile peoples who hate peace and respond to peaceful words with war.
Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers
120:1–120:7 poetry lament anguished
A lament psalm seeking God's deliverance from deceitful enemies and expressing the psalmist's desire for peace while living among those who prefer war.
geographic
Meshech and Kedar, geographically impossible neighbors from opposite ends of the ancient world, symbolize the psalmist's complete alienation among humanity's most warlike peoples.
Insights
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Psalms 120:2 5 references
Lexicals 5
Micah 6:12 Lexical
Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their speech.
Job 27:4 Lexical
surely my lips will not speak unrighteousness, neither will my tongue utter deceit.
Proverbs 17:4 Lexical
An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
Proverbs 12:19 Lexical
Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
Isaiah 59:3 Lexical
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity. Your lips have spoken lies. Your tongue mutters w…
Psalms 120:4 2 references
Psalms 120:5 1 reference
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