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120:title–7 This individual lament psalm—which is part of the pilgrimage psalms (Pss 120–134; see note on v. title)—focuses on the trouble the psalmist faces. The psalm opens by presenting a resolution to his trouble before he even requests deliverance. The psalmist cries directly to Yahweh for help (vv. 1–2). He focuses on his lying adversaries and wishes for their destruction (vv. 3–4). He then returns to his own predicament, regretting that he is distant from the land of Israel (vv. 5–6). The final verse restates the psalmist’s problem in terms of the foreigners he lives with—they are incompatible with his beliefs (v. 7). Unlike most lament psalms, the psalmist ends without resolving the matter with an expression of hope.

Most laments in the psalms conclude with an element of trust and hope. This psalm may lack that feature because it is included in the subsection of the Psalms called the Songs of Ascents or pilgrimage psalms (Pss 120–134). Later psalms in this series may provide the turn toward trust and hope that Psa 120 lacks.

Lament EDB

120:title A song of ascents Psalms 120–134 each include the title shir hamma'aloth (usually translated “Song of Ascents”). They may be called Songs of Ascents because they frequently reference Jerusalem and Zion (the temple mount in Jerusalem); Biblical writers regularly describe individuals as going up to Jerusalem, no matter where the people are located in relationship to the city.

The Songs of Ascents were traditionally sung during the Jewish Feast of Booths or Tabernacles in autumn (see Lev 23:33–44 and note). They also seem to have been sung during pilgrimages to Jerusalem in general. In Jewish tradition, the Feast of Tabernacles commemorates Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness. The pilgrimage theme of the Songs of Ascents resonates with the wilderness theme of the festival. Another possible theme of the Songs of Ascents is the mention of foreign peoples. Psalms 120–134 may be connected with the dispersion of the Jews following the time of the Babylonian exile (after 538 bc), which could also resonate with the idea of wandering without a permanent home. Four of the Songs of Ascents are affiliated with David (Pss 122; 124; 131; 133), one is affiliated with Solomon (Psa 127), and the other 10 are not attributed or affiliated with a particular individual.

Ascents, Songs of EDB

Types of Psalms Table

120:1–2 Psalm 120 opens with a call and answer statement, which seems to resolve the psalmist’s problem almost before the psalm begins. Usually, Yahweh’s help is the answer to a psalmist’s cry, and it comes at the end of the psalm. However, v. 2 continues to portray the psalmist’s cry for help.

120:1 he answered me Implies a positive response.

120:2 from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue The psalmist indicates that his adversaries’ lies are his primary problem. The precise nature of the false words is uncertain, but prayers for deliverance like this one often addressed false accusation or slander.

Lies ZDBT

Lie ISBE

120:3–4 In vv. 2–4, the psalmist directly addresses his lying opponents and wishes for their downfall.

120:3 deceitful tongue The psalmist personifies the lying tongue. While he previously spoke in general of the lies he was facing, here he seems to have someone specific in mind. Compare v. 2.

120:4 The sharpened arrows of a warrior The psalmist expresses his vivid wish for destruction of his enemies. At this point, the psalmist seems to be thinking of a specific person or people.

burning charcoals from Probably describes burning arrows. People in the ancient Near East often used burning arrows in warfare, shooting them into walled cities to set them on fire.

broom trees People in the ancient Near East often used broom trees to make charcoal; apparently the coals would stay hot for a long time.

Broom Tree HIBD

Broom Tree ISBE

120:5–7 The psalmist concludes by returning to the discussion of his problem. He is in a foreign place with people who have different beliefs and values than him. Although he wants to coexist, the residents of his temporary home want only strife.

120:5 The place names in v. 5 are in opposite directions, and are probably meant to symbolize a general reality of living far from home.

Woe to me An expression of sorrow or despair, probably articulating the psalmist’s distress (v. 1).

Woe ZDBT

in Meshech Located northwest of Canaan, in modern-day Turkey (compare Ezek 27:13).

Meshech EDB

of Kedar A nomadic shepherding tribe that lived to the southeast of Canaan (compare Isa 21:13–17).

Kedar HIBD

Kedar EDB

120:6 peace The Hebrew word used here, shalom, has a wide range of meanings; it can refer to the absence of war or an all-encompassing sense of well-being and wholeness.

Peace Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words

Shalom TWOT

120:7 war The Hebrew word used here, milchamah, describes close combat involving hand-to-hand fighting and intense struggle. The psalmist is probably referring to his enemies’ preference for vocal anger.

	About Faithlife Study Bible Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.
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