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

Psalm 120:5–7 indicates that the psalmist is traveling far from Jerusalem. Meshech and Kedar were probably in Turkey. Those regions might have been fighting with Assyria when the psalm was written. Since this is labeled a psalm of “ascents” (Psalm 120:1), it implies that the psalmist cannot attend the festival in Jerusalem because he is too far away.

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.

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.

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 10:35:54 PM

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