Berean Standard Bible · Public domain

Psalm 120

Israel’s prayers give language for praise, grief, repentance, and trust. Poetry uses imagery and parallel lines; each psalm should be read as a whole rather than as a detached promise.

Historical context & book outline

1A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.

2Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.

3What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?

4Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!

5Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!

6Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.

7I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.

Read closely

  1. What repeated words, contrasts, or actions stand out in this chapter?
  2. How does this chapter fit the surrounding chapters and the book’s purpose?
  3. What did it communicate to its first hearers, before applying it to your life?