The Journey of the Pilgrim
Exegesis of Psalm 120
Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), a collection of psalms sung by worshipers making their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. It is a psalm of distress, a heartfelt cry for deliverance from deceit and hostility. As we walk through its verses, we find a deeply personal lament that resonates with any believer who has ever felt surrounded by falsehood, oppression, or the weariness of living among the ungodly. This psalm sets the tone for the entire journey of the pilgrim—one that begins in anguish but moves toward hope and communion with God.
Historical Context and Structure of Psalm 120
The historical setting of Psalm 120 is crucial to understanding its depth. Many scholars believe it was written during a time when Israel was under foreign oppression, possibly in the post-exilic period when the Jewish people lived among hostile nations. The psalmist speaks of dwelling in Meshech and among the tents of Kedar (v. 5), locations symbolizing distant lands filled with violence and deception. Meshech was a distant tribe near modern-day Turkey, and Kedar referred to Arabian nomads known for their warrior culture. These places were not literal residences of the psalmist but figurative expressions of being surrounded by those who do not share the values of God’s covenant people.
This context significantly shapes the psalm’s message. The themes of exile, separation, and longing for God’s justice echo throughout Israel’s history, from their time in Egypt to the Babylonian captivity. The psalmist stands in a place of tension—physically or spiritually distant from the peace of God’s presence, yearning for deliverance. This theme of sojourning in a land not one’s own finds parallels in the experience of the early Christians, who often saw themselves as exiles in a world that opposed the kingdom of God (1 Peter 2:11).
Breaking Down the Text: A Cry for Rescue (Verses 1-2)
“I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.”
The psalm begins with an urgent plea to the LORD for deliverance. The phrase “I call on the LORD in my distress” is reminiscent of many lament psalms, emphasizing the personal relationship between the petitioner and God. The psalmist’s suffering comes from “lying lips and deceitful tongues,” highlighting the destructive power of falsehood. The Hebrew term for “lying” (šeqer) carries the connotation of treachery—these are not just empty words but calculated deceptions meant to harm.
This opening passage is a reminder that one of the greatest afflictions believers face is slander and deception. Throughout Scripture, falsehood is presented as a tool of the wicked, often contrasted with God’s truth (Psalm 101:7, Proverbs 6:16-19). The psalmist does not retaliate against these falsehoods but instead turns to the LORD, trusting in divine justice rather than personal vengeance. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings, where He warns against deceit (Matthew 12:36-37) and instructs His followers to place their trust in God rather than respond in kind to evil (Matthew 5:11-12).
The Certainty of Divine Judgment (Verses 3-4)
“What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue? He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush.”
Here, the psalmist shifts from pleading to warning. The question in verse 3 is rhetorical—what awaits the deceitful? The answer: divine retribution. The imagery of “a warrior’s sharp arrows” suggests precision and certainty in God’s judgment, a stark contrast to the dishonesty of lying tongues. The “burning coals of the broom bush” (likely the root of the desert broom tree, which burned intensely) represents a consuming, inescapable judgment. This parallelism between sharp arrows and burning coals conveys the certainty of divine justice upon those who spread deceit.
This passage reminds us that God’s justice is not idle. Throughout Scripture, deceit and false witness are met with God’s righteous response (Proverbs 19:5, Revelation 21:8). Just as the psalmist leaves judgment in God’s hands, so too are believers called to trust in divine justice rather than seek revenge. Paul echoes this in Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
Living Among the Hostile (Verses 5-7)
“Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
The final section of the psalm expresses the deep weariness of living in a hostile environment. The names Meshech and Kedar symbolize a world of conflict and violence, in contrast to the psalmist’s longing for peace. The phrase “I am for peace” (Hebrew: ani shalom) stands in stark opposition to the aggression around him. The implication is that even when the psalmist speaks in good faith, he is met with hostility.
This tension reflects the broader biblical narrative. The righteous often find themselves at odds with the world. Jesus Himself experienced this rejection: “Blessed are the peacemakers… but blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:9-11). The psalmist’s lament resonates with the Christian call to be peacemakers in a world that often rejects peace.
Scholarly Perspectives
Old Testament scholar James Mays writes:
“The psalmist is not merely longing for a geographical escape but a spiritual one—he desires the presence of God, the true place of peace, over the strife of his current dwelling.”
This reinforces the idea that the psalm is about more than external conflict; it is about spiritual exile and the longing for divine fellowship.
Similarly, Derek Kidner notes:
“The cry of Psalm 120 is the cry of every believer who finds themselves a stranger in a world that does not understand their allegiance to God. It is the first step of the pilgrim’s journey—a recognition that we do not belong here.”
Kidner highlights the psalm’s role in the broader journey of faith, mirroring the believer’s path toward eternal communion with God.
Key Insight Statements
“The psalmist teaches us that the first step in any trial is calling upon the LORD, not taking matters into our own hands.”
“God’s justice is sure—even when deceit and oppression seem unchecked, the righteous can trust that God sees and acts.”
“Living for peace in a hostile world is the challenge of the faithful, but our hope is not in earthly acceptance but in divine deliverance.”
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For further insight into the Psalms of Ascent, read this article from The Gospel Coalition: Understanding the Psalms of Ascent