Psalms 120 - Printer Friendly

This is one of fifteen psalms associated with "ascents." Jerusalem was located on and around Zion (1 Kings 8:1), which was once a mountain fortress (2 Samuel 5:7). When Israelites traveled to participate in feast days (Deuteronomy 16:16) they may have sung these songs.

First, the psalmist relates his prayer for rescue. He wants to be kept safe from those who lie and deceive. No details are given about his situation, other than a later mention of where he is (Psalm 120:5). Other Scriptures note the dangers of lies (Proverbs 6:16–17; 19:9; Romans 3:13; James 3:5–6). It appears this request was granted (Psalm 120:1–2).

This psalm includes a Hebrew sentence which is difficult to translate. Most versions frame it as a question posed to the liar, asking what punishment is expected. Others suggest it is a question about how lies affect the Lord. Still others imply that this is a second person asking the psalmist about how lies have damaged him. In each case, there is a clear sense that deceit is wrong and worthy of punishment (Psalm 120:3).

Meschech (Genesis 10:2) and Kedar (Genesis 25:13) probably refer to a people group in the northern part of modern-day Turkey. It seems the psalmist is associating them with his concern about liars (Psalm 120:1). A liar's punishment can be severe (Psalm 5:6). References to arrows suggest war; the people where the psalmist was travelling (Psalm 120:5) may have been at odds with the powerful Assyrians. Coals are also associated with pain. While he wishes for peace, the people where he travels seem eager for conflict (Psalm 120:4–7).

Psalm 120:3–4 explores what the psalmist believes will happen (Psalm 5:6) to those who lie (Psalm 120:2). The reference to arrows may imply war; this psalm mentions Meshech (Psalm 120:5) which may have been at odds with Assyria. Broom tree wood was known for making especially hot—and long-burning—coals. This imagery suggests pain and suffering (Psalm 11:6; 140:10; Proverbs 6:28).

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.

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.