Psalm 120: Prayer for Deliverance From Deception

Psalm 120

1 In my distress I cried to the LORD, and he heard me.

2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

3 What shall be given to you? or what shall be done to you, you false tongue?

4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

6 My soul has long dwelled with him that hates peace.

7 I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

Psalm 120 is a heartfelt "Song of Ascents" that expresses a soul's urgent plea for deliverance from the spiritual and social hostility of a world characterized by falsehood and strife Psalms 120:1-7LTJMB2 166.1+1. It marks the beginning of a journey toward the holy standard of God, starting with a cry for help in the midst of deep distress Psalms 120:110MR 288.1+1.

A Prayer for Deliverance from Deception 🗣️

The psalmist begins with a specific request to be rescued from lying lips and a deceitful tongue Psalms 120:2ARSH August 19, 1852, page 62.10+1. This reflects a profound understanding that natural human tendencies, if not corrected by the Holy Spirit, contain the seeds of moral death and unholy influence10MR 288.1.

• The Nature of Deceit: A deceitful tongue is a world of iniquity that defiles the whole body, often hiding a curse under smooth words that administer poison James 3:64LtMs, Ms 55, 1886, par. 12+1.

• The Consequences of Falsehood: Those who practice deception or represent things they have originated as truth will surely be punished by the Lord, as lying lips are an abomination to Him Proverbs 12:22RH October 11, 1906, par. 12+2.

• The Divine Standard: God seeks to exalt us to a high, pure standard where no guile is found in the mouth of His people Zephaniah 3:13+110MR 288.1+1.

The Judgment of the False Tongue 🔥

The scripture asks what shall be done to the false tongue, providing a vivid image of divine retribution Psalms 120:3ARSH December 17, 1857, page 48.13+1.

• Sharp Arrows and Coals: The answer is "sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper" Psalms 120:44LtMs, Ms 26, 1886, par. 14+1.

• Symbolism: Arrows are compared to lightning and instruments of death, sometimes shot with burning material attached to them Psalms 7:13ETI Bow.3+2.

• Juniper Coals: The juniper (or retem shrub) provided excellent fuel; its coals symbolize the intense, consuming judgment that meets those who use their tongues for calumny and mischief Psalms 120:44LtMs, Ms 55, 1886, par. 12+2.

Sojourning in a Hostile Land 🌍

The psalmist laments his dwelling in Meshech and the tents of Kedar, which serves as a synonym for living among the rudest, most barbaric, and godless influences Psalms 120:5ETI Meshech.2+1.

• Meshech: Identified with the Moschi, these people settled in the north and are linked to the origins of the Muscovites and the Russian nationEze. 38:2+3.

• Kedar: This refers to nomadic Arab tribes who lived in black hair-tents; to dwell in their tents signifies being cut off from the worship of the true God Psalms 120:5ETI Kedar.3+2.

• Spiritual Isolation: Like David in the wilderness of Paran, the believer often feels alone in the truth, dwelling with those who hate peace Psalms 120:6ARSH April 16, 1857, page 191.20+1.

The Contrast Between Peace and War 🕊️

The psalm concludes with a striking contrast between the character of the godly and the atmosphere of the world Psalms 120:7ARSH October 28, 1862, page 174.3.

• The Pursuit of Peace: The righteous person is "for peace," reflecting the sweet rest and peace found in Jesus Psalms 120:7CG 146.3+1.

• The Reality of Conflict: When the believer speaks of truth and peace, the world responds with war and resistance Psalms 120:7ARSH April 16, 1857, page 191.20+1.

• Messianic Application: This resistance is also associated with the Messiah’s dealings with the Gentiles, where His offer of peace is met with hostility Isaiah 57:19LTJMBA 101.4.

This psalm encourages us to take heed to our ways and keep a bridle on our tongues, especially when the wicked are before us, knowing that God hears our cry and will preserve our souls from all evil Psalms 39:1+1ARSH December 17, 1857, page 48.13.