Psalms 120 - Meaning, Themes & Application

In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard

Psalms 120:1 means that when the writer was overwhelmed and in trouble, he called out honestly to God, and God listened. It shows that God …

Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

Psalms 120:2 means the writer is begging God to rescue them from people who lie and twist the truth. It shows God cares when false …

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

Psalms 120:3 shows the psalmist asking what should happen to someone who lies and spreads hurtful words. It warns that false speech has serious consequences. …

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

Psalm 120:4 uses “sharp arrows” and “burning coals” to picture the painful impact of lies and hurtful words. It means God will bring strong, piercing …

Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

Psalms 120:5 shows someone feeling stuck among hostile, ungodly people, far from home and peace. “Mesech” and “Kedar” picture rough, unfriendly places. This verse speaks …

My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

Psalm 120:6 means the writer is exhausted from living among people who love conflict instead of peace. Many feel this at home, work, or online—constant …

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

Psalm 120:7 means the writer wants peace, but the people around him keep choosing conflict. It reflects the pain of being misunderstood or attacked even …