Psalms 120 WEB
Summary: The first of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (120-134), likely sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for festivals, opening with a cry of distress: "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me" (v. 1), specifically from "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue" (v. 2). The psalmist laments living among hostile, warmongering neighbors — "Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar" (v. 5) — foreign or distant peoples used as a figure for surrounding hostility. It closes with the contrast "I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war" (v. 7).
1In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me.
2Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
3What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue?
4Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace.
7I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.
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