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Psalm 120

A pilgrimage song.[a]

120 I cried out to the Lord when I was in trouble
    (and he answered me):
Lord, deliver me[b] from lying lips
    and a dishonest tongue!”
What more will be given to you,
    what more will be done to you,
    you dishonest tongue?
Just this:[c] a warrior’s sharpened arrows,
    coupled with burning coals from a wood[d] fire!

Oh, I’m doomed
    because I have been an immigrant in Meshech,
    because I’ve made my home among Kedar’s tents.
I’ve lived far too long
    with people who hate peace.
I’m for peace,
    but when I speak, they are for war.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 120:1 Or song of ascents or song of going up (that is, to Jerusalem); cf Ps 122:4. The heading is found in every psalm from Ps 120 to Ps 134.
  2. Psalm 120:2 Or my soul; also in 120:6
  3. Psalm 120:4 Heb lacks this.
  4. Psalm 120:4 Or the gorse or broom tree

Psalm 120

Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers

A Song of Ascents.

In my distress I cry to the Lord,
    that he may answer me:(A)
“Deliver me, O Lord,
    from lying lips,
    from a deceitful tongue.”

What shall be given to you?
    And what more shall be done to you,
    you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows,
    with glowing coals of the broom tree!(B)

Woe is me, that I am an alien in Meshech,
    that I must live among the tents of Kedar.(C)
Too long have I had my dwelling
    among those who hate peace.
I am for peace,
    but when I speak,
    they are for war.