Psalm 120:2 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalm 120:2 mean?

ESV: Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.

NIV: Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

NASB: Rescue my soul, Lord, from lying lips, From a deceitful tongue.

CSB: "Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue."

NLT: Rescue me, O Lord, from liars and from all deceitful people.

KJV: Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

NKJV: Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue.

Verse Commentary:

Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 120; verse-level content coming soon!

Verse Context:

Psalm 120:1–2 records the psalmist’s prayer to be kept safe from liars and their deceptions. This request was granted. Later, the writer will mention Meshech and Kedar (Psalm 120:5), whose people seem to be the source of his concerns.

Chapter Summary:

The psalmist refers to his prayers for protection against lies and liars, hoping the deceptive ones will experience judgment. This is depicted in the form of arrows and burning coals. The writer is currently traveling among the people of Kedar and Meshech, whom he seems to associate with dishonesty and violence.

Chapter Context:

Fifteen psalms (Psalms 120—134) are labeled as "a song of ascents.” These are believed to have been used when people traveled to Jerusalem for festivals; this meant going “up” to Mount Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). This particular song suggests someone who could not attend the feast because he lived too far away. Meshech (Genesis 10:2) was possibly in modern-day Turkey and seems to have been violently at war with Assyria.

Book Summary:

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 9:56:45 PM