Psalms 120 A Prayer for Deliverance

This is the first of fifteen psalms (psalms 120-134) entitled "a song of degrees" (ps 121:1 --literally, "a song for the degrees"), or ascents. It seems most probable they were designed for the use of the people when going up (compare 1ki 12:27, 28) to Jerusalem on the festival occasions (de 16:16), three times a year. David appears as the author of four, solomon of one (ps 127:1), and the other ten are anonymous, probably composed after the captivity. In this psalm the writer acknowledges God's mercy, prays for relief from a malicious foe, whose punishment he anticipates, and then repeats his complaint

2,3

Slander and deceit charged on his foes implies his innocence. tongue — as in Ps 52:2,

4

4. Sharp arrows of the mighty — destructive inflictions. coals of juniper — which retain heat long. This verse may be read as a description of the wicked, but better as their punishment, in reply to the question of Ps 120:3.

5

A residence in these remote lands pictures his miserable condition.

6,7

While those who surrounded him were maliciously hostile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm may well begin such a series as this, as a contrast to the promised joys of God's worship.