Psalm 120

A Cry for Truth and Peace

A song of ascents.

In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.(A)
Lord, rescue me from lying lips
and a deceitful tongue.”(B)

What will he give you,
and what will he do to you,
you deceitful tongue?(C)
A warrior’s sharp arrows
with burning charcoal![a](D)

What misery that I have stayed in Meshech,[b](E)
that I have lived among the tents of Kedar![c](F)
I have dwelt too long
with those who hate peace.(G)
I am for peace; but when I speak,
they are for war.(H)

Footnotes

  1. 120:4 Lit with coals of the broom bush
  2. 120:5 = a people far to the north of Palestine
  3. 120:5 = a nomadic people of the desert to the southeast

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

A song of ascents.

I call on the Lord(A) in my distress,(B)
    and he answers me.
Save me, Lord,
    from lying lips(C)
    and from deceitful tongues.(D)

What will he do to you,
    and what more besides,
    you deceitful tongue?
He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,(E)
    with burning coals of the broom bush.

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
    that I live among the tents of Kedar!(F)
Too long have I lived
    among those who hate peace.
I am for peace;
    but when I speak, they are for war.