“I cried to the Lord in my trouble,
And He answered me.
Rescue my soul, Lord, from lying lips,
From a deceitful tongue.”

“What will He give to you, and what more will be done to you,
You deceitful tongue?
Sharp arrows of the warrior,
With the burning coals of the broom tree.”

“Woe to me, for I live in Meshech,
For I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Too long my soul has had its dwelling
With those who hate peace.”

“I am for peace, but when I speak,
They are for war.”

---

Context and Meaning

Psalm 120 begins the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), a collection sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for worship.

This psalm is a lament for deliverance from deceit and hostility. The psalmist is surrounded by lies, slander, and a culture of warlike hostility, yet he turns to God for rescue. It reflects the tension of living as God’s people among those who despise truth and peace.

Key Themes:

1. God Answers Prayer: The psalmist testifies that he cried to the Lord, and He answered (v. 1).
2. Deliverance From Lies: The danger of deceitful tongues calls for God’s rescue (v. 2).
3. God’s Judgment on Falsehood: The deceitful tongue will face sharp arrows and burning coals (v. 3–4).
4. Pilgrim Life Among Hostile People: Living in Meshech and Kedar symbolizes dwelling among violent and ungodly cultures (v. 5–6).
5. Commitment to Peace Amid Hostility: The psalmist longs for peace, though surrounded by warlike people (v. 7).

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 120 reminds us that God’s people often live surrounded by deceit, hostility, and opposition—but He is the deliverer:

• God answers the cry of the distressed – “I cried… and He answered” (v. 1) echoes Psalm 34:17: the righteous cry, and the Lord delivers them.
• God delivers from lies and slander – “Rescue my soul from lying lips” (v. 2) recalls James 3:6: the tongue can set the world on fire.
• Judgment awaits the deceitful – “Sharp arrows… burning coals” (v. 3–4) reflects Psalm 64:7: God will shoot His arrow at the wicked.
• Living as strangers among the hostile – “I live in Meshech… dwell among Kedar” (v. 5) parallels 1 Peter 2:11: we are strangers and exiles in this world.
• Commitment to peace amid conflict – “I am for peace, but… they are for war” (v. 7) recalls Romans 12:18: as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Application

• Cry Out to God in Trouble: Take distress to the One who hears and answers.
• Trust God to Deliver From Lies: Let Him guard you against slander and deceit.
• Remember God’s Justice: The deceitful tongue will not escape His judgment.
• Live Faithfully Among the Hostile: Stay true even when surrounded by ungodliness.
• Be Committed to Peace: Pursue peace even when others resist it.

Closing Thought

In a world filled with lies, hostility, and conflict, the believer cries out to God, who answers and delivers. His people are called to be for peace, even when surrounded by war.
“I cried to the Lord in my trouble, and He answered me.”