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About this chapterThe first of the fifteen Songs of Ascents (120–134), likely sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for the festivals. The writer, in distress, cried out to the Lord and was answered, and now asks to be delivered from lying lips and deceitful tongues. Their punishment is pictured as sharp arrows and burning coals. He laments living among people of Meshech and Kedar, distant and hostile places, and dwelling too long with those who hate peace. He wants peace, but when he speaks, they want war. The psalm captures the weariness of a journey that starts far from home.

The first of the fifteen Songs of Ascents (120–134), likely sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for the festivals. The writer, in distress, cried out to the Lord and was answered, and now asks to be delivered from lying lips and deceitful tongues. Their punishment is pictured as sharp arrows and burning coals. He laments living among people of Meshech and Kedar, distant and hostile places, and dwelling too long with those who hate peace. He wants peace, but when he speaks, they want war. The psalm captures the weariness of a journey that starts far from home.

Themes

  • Songs of Ascents
  • Deceitful speech
  • Longing for peace
  • Distress heard by God

Key verses

Audio Bible · Psalms 120

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Psalms 120

Berean Standard Bible7 verses · 1 min read

1In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. 2Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. 3What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? 4Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree! 5Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! 6Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. 7I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.
Verses in Psalms 120
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