Ps 120:1-7.
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.
Psalm 120 Bible Commentary
Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
Ps 120:1-7. 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.