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Psalm 120

A Song of [a]Ascents.

In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.

Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

What shall be given to you? Or what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?—

Sharp arrows of a [mighty] warrior, with [glowing] coals of the broom tree!

Woe is me that I sojourn with Meshech, that I dwell beside the tents of Kedar [as if among notoriously barbarous people]!(A)

My life has too long had its dwelling with him who hates peace.

I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 120:1 It is possible that the fifteen psalms known as the “Songs of Degrees or Ascents” were sung by the caravans of pilgrims going up to attend the annual feasts at Jerusalem. But it is equally possible that the title has reference to some peculiarity in connection with the music or the manner of using it.

Psalm 120

A song of ascents.

I call on the Lord(A) in my distress,(B)
    and he answers me.
Save me, Lord,
    from lying lips(C)
    and from deceitful tongues.(D)

What will he do to you,
    and what more besides,
    you deceitful tongue?
He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,(E)
    with burning coals of the broom bush.

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
    that I live among the tents of Kedar!(F)
Too long have I lived
    among those who hate peace.
I am for peace;
    but when I speak, they are for war.